by APRIL DE ANGELIS directed by MICHAEL OAKLEY starring ANNA CHANCELLOR
STREAM ON DEMAND FROM HOME
Watch online any time between 7.30pm BST on 15 Apr 2025 and 11.59pm BST on 18 Apr 2025. Choose any date below to book tickets to watch from home.
Once you have purchased, you’ll be able to access the recording here.
As this OT On Screen production will be enjoyed from outside the theatre, we ask people to pay what they’re happy to give, starting from £15.
★★★★★ “Five women with different worldviews brought together.” North West End
★★★★ “Chancellor effortlessly commands attention.” The Times
★★★★ “The play’s bawdy humour cuts into you like a knife.“ The Stage
★★★★ “This historical romp is bracing, heady fun.” The Standard
★★★★ “A rich and absorbing drama.“ Financial Times
★★★★ “Michael Oakley’s welcome revival does De Angelis proud.” Theatre Cat
★★★★ “Zoe Brough’s Nell Gwyn is wildly ambitious.” Plays To See
★★★★ “Gripping.” Mark Aspen Reviews
★★★★ “Doña Croll shines as Doll Common.” All That Dazzles
★★★★ “A snapshot of an overlooked moment in the history of theatre.” Southwark News
★★★★ “Mrs Marshall (is) exceptionally played by Katherine Kingsley.” BroadwayBaby
“Deeply moving.“ Tatler
“Nicole Sawyerr steals the show with an almost unbearably poignant portrayal.” The American
“Anna Chancellor as Mrs Betterton leads a flawless cast.” A View from the Gods
I’m an actress. They’ve never had one of those before. I’m a novelty.
It’s the swinging (16)60s, and ‘the merry monarch’ Charles II is on the throne. After violent civil war, England’s theatres have finally reopened and, for the first time, women are allowed to perform in public.
In the West End, grande dame Mrs Betterton (Anna Chancellor) rules the roost. But there’s a new face in town: an orange-seller with dreams of stardom. From dressing-room camaraderie to bitter rivalry, April De Angelis’ gloriously exuberant, bawdily funny and deeply poignant play celebrates five women grabbing this newfound freedom and making their way in an unfamiliar world. But at what price?
April De Angelis’ plays have entertained audiences at the National Theatre, Royal Court, and in the West End. Anna Chancellor’s prolific career on stage and screen includes Four Weddings and a Funeral, Kavanagh QC and My Lady Jane.
“Marvellously entertaining: one of those evenings where theatre is more alive than life” The Telegraph on Playhouse Creatures
“Intelligent, funny, and puts contemporary women centre stage” The Guardian on April De Angelis’ Jumpy
CONTENT ADVICE
Our content warnings are updated as a production evolves through rehearsals and previews, so please note they may change between booking a ticket and seeing the production.
Cast
Nell Gwyn
Zoe Brough
Mrs Betterton
Anna Chancellor
Doll Common
Doña Croll
Mrs Marshall
Katherine Kingsley
Mrs Farley
Nicole Sawyerr
Creatives
April De Angelis
Writer
Michael Oakley
Director
Fotini Dimou
Designer
Elliot Griggs
Lighting Designer
Max Pappenheim
Sound Designer & Composer
Mandy Demetriou
Movement Director
Male Arcucci
Costume Supervisor
Alison de Burgh
Fight Director
Annelie Powell CDG
Casting Director
Amelia Shelmerdine
Assistant Director
Jerry Gunn
Company Stage Manager
Honor Klein
Deputy Stage Manager
Claire Hill
Assistant Stage Manager