Nell Gwynn, the famous mistress of King Charles II has recently become a favourite historical figure.As Nell grows more worried about her future she begins to confide in her maid Margery (Angela Curran) who, unlike Nell has never relied on men regardless of her circumstances.
The contrast between the two female characters and both Mansfield’s and Curran’s skilled performances are what makes the production so vibrant and compelling.
As the relationship and contrast between the two women grows stronger, so does our understanding of their own personal struggles and limitations that come from being a woman. After all it doesn’t matter that one dances to lure men and the other “for the love of dancing itself”, what matters is that neither of these women were ever given the opportunity to choose, this realisation forces Nell to question her own self.
Full of comedy moments and accompanied by live music and singing “The Restoration of Nell Gwyn” could be dismissed as a light piece of theatre, but there is more to the production than its wit and slapstick comedy.
Richard Aylwin’s minimalistic set compliments the production by keeping things in the style of the period, whilst Henry Purcell’s beautiful music gives us an opportunity to see Nell in a more vulnerable and delicate light.
Steve Trafford’s writing touches on universal themes, such as sex, the class system, desire, political beliefs and most importantly womanhood. A fresh perspective on the famous “protestant whore”.
Should you find yourself suffering from the post-Christmas January blahs I would like to suggest that you quickly get yourself to the St. James theatre to see the soul stirring ‘The Pianist of Willesden Lane’. I can assure you that this unique combination of play and classical piano concert performed with love and humanity by the talented concert pianist Mona Golabek is just the type of theatrical experience you need at this dark time of year.