by APRIL DE ANGELIS
directed by MICHAEL OAKLEY
starring ANNA CHANCELLOR
How to get tickets
Friday Rush
Each Friday at midday, a limited number of tickets will be released online for the performances in the following week, subject to availability on a first-come first-served basis. Please note, these tickets are only available through our website and are not available in-person or over the phone. Find out more here.
Waiting List
Members enjoy access to our waiting list for sold out performances, and if you are a Ruby Member, or a patron in our Supporters’ Circle, Directors’ Circle, or Attenborough Circle, you can get exclusive access to house seats for sold out performances (subject to availability).
11am Releases
Any remaining tickets will be released at 11am on the day of the performance.
★★★★★ “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
On tour...
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Tue 22 – Sat 26 Apr
Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm
Box Office: 01483 440 000
Theatre Royal Bath
Mon 28 Apr – Sat 3 May
Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm
Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm
Box Office: 01225 448844
On stage...
In rehearsals...
Production and rehearsal photography by Ellie Kurttz
Show Info
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Mon – Sat 7.30pm
Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from Thu 20 Mar)
CONTENT ADVICE
This production contains a depiction of an abortion, descriptions of animal cruelty, strong language, and themes of misogyny. This production contains flashing lights, haze (water-based) and sudden, loud sounds.
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.
Saturday Seminar
Sat 29 Mar, 11am; find out more and book here
Members’ and Patrons’ Evening with Post-Show Talk
Tue 25 Mar
Booking is open exclusively to all our Members and Patrons. Membership starts at £60pa and supports the OT to create our ambitious programme of artistic and community work. These evenings are a chance to mingle with fellow Members and Patrons, meet the OT staff, and hear from the cast and creative team of the production.
OT Under 30 Night
Fri 28 Mar
On OT Under 30 Nights, enjoy a FREE DRINK and POST-SHOW TALK all included with your £15 ticket.
Post-show discussion led by the OT
Thursday matinees
Admission is free with your ticket to the performance.
Audio Described performance
Wed 9 April 7:30pm
Captioned performances
Tue 8 Apr 7:30pm
Relaxed & Distanced performance
Wed 2 Apr 7:30pm
To book accessible seats, and for audio described and captioned, please call the box office on 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm) or email
box.office@orangetreetheatre.co.uk. If you’re on our Access List, you can log in and book online.
TICKET PRICES
No booking fees. Prices increase based on demand. Book early to secure your seats at the best prices.
£15 tickets for Under 30s on all seats for all performances – subject to availability.
£15 access tickets – find out more
£15 tickets available for members of theatre unions and guilds
£1 tickets available through our subsidised ticket scheme – find out more
Cast
Nell Gwyn
Zoe Brough
Mrs Betterton
Anna Chancellor
Doll Common
Doña Croll
Mrs Marshall
Katherine Kingsley
Mrs Farley
Nicole Sawyerr
Creative Team
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