The Monarch, the Mistresses, the Mayhem!
History likes to pretend it was all very serious.
Kings made important decisions. Politicians debated weighty matters of state. Noblemen pondered the future of the nation.
Meanwhile, in Restoration London, people were throwing oranges at actors.
Welcome to Nell Gwynn. Grantham Dramatic Society invites you into a world where theatres are noisy, audiences are rowdy, scandals travel faster than the plague, and a quick wit can sometimes be more powerful than a crown.
At the centre of it all is Nell, actress, celebrity, survivor and accidental national treasure. One moment she’s selling oranges, the next she’s catching the eye of King Charles II. It turns out royal life is rather like amateur dramatics: there are huge egos, dramatic entrances, costume changes, backstage politics and somebody is always trying to steal the best lines.
Featuring a large ensemble cast and plenty of musical numbers, Nell Gwynn tumbles along at a glorious pace from theatre to palace and back again, serving up romance, rivalry and mischief.
This is a show that delights in the ridiculousness of human beings while managing to be unexpectedly warm-hearted. It celebrates theatre, laughter, love and the simple truth that charm can sometimes succeed where power fails.
Expect witty one-liners, outrageous situations, memorable music and a great deal of laughter.
In short: kings have mistresses, actors have opinions, politicians have plots, and Nell Gwynn has her work cut out.
A bawdy romp fit for a king!
