Whether it’s Nell Gwynn raising her fan to signal a man’s erection, or Nancy being dumb as a plank and at the same time the keeper of cut-thru-the-BS reality speak, or perhaps David Bedella as the ever ready drag star dressed in falsies as he portrays Edward Kynaston-- these are actors ready to bring on the comedy.
We learn from the program that these characters are based on real historical figures. Nell Gwynn is the one time prostitute and orange seller (the equivalent of a movie theater popcorn vendor) who goes from gutter to stage actress and then the truly loved concubine of the King. It’s her story in this script by playwright Jessica Swale that is also peppered up with some not-so-subtle references to the politics of our “Make England Great Again” (sic) times.
Perfect for Chicago Shakespeare Fans Seeking Something Lite
This is a play made-to-order for Shakespeare fans looking for something a few shades lighter than a Shakespeare comedy. Great use is made of the entire theater space by Director Christopher Luscombe of this London import. Everything in this production appears to be designed to make you smile—and you do.
