Providing audiences with an entertaining insight into life as an actress during the 1600s, the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) will host April de Angelis' 1993 play 'Playhouse Creatures'.
The performance is set in 1669 and begins with the return of King Charles II, bringing with him a new decree that men will no long play the role of women onstage and actresses are now welcome to perform. 'Playhouse Creatures' is focused around the five most famous actresses during that time, such as Nell Gwynn and Mary Betterton, and their struggles to be taken seriously as legitimate actresses.
“They are very intriguing characters,” 'Playhouse Creatures' Director, Jordan Best says. “Some of them are based on real women. Nell Gwynn was the mistress of King Charles II and one of the first great English comic actresses. Mary Betterton was one of the very first women to speak onstage in London. As a woman in theatre, they are quite significant to me.
“They are funny, flawed, warm and interesting people. That's what I love most about it, just how interesting these people are and the world that the play brings you into is a very fascinating place.”
Image © Kelly McGannon
“We have had a lot of love for this show. People fall in love with these women. They are very well written and my actresses know them very well. That was a repeated comment.
“I suppose [it's] because they are really human. They aren’t good or bad. They're flawed, jealous, angry, loving and fun, just like people. What I would hope is people come out from it having fallen in love with these women a little bit and are interested in having a look at more of this history.”
Jordan describes the show to be very entertaining, luscious and fun, with a variety of unique elements that the audience can look forward to, including original music that has been written for the play.
“It's a production born out of a modern love. All the people who have worked on this really believe in it. It's a very full world that we hope to show everyone.”
Image © Kelly McGannon
“Our costumes have been designed to be completely in touch with restoration clothes. The corsets are fully boned in wood and there are no zips or velcro. The costumes and sets are all so lush and beautiful.”
“There's a wonderful cross-dressing sword fight that's very funny,” Jordan explains. “There's conversations in there about women getting equal pay and being able to have shares in the theatre that they are helping to run. For me, that side is quite interesting.”
“It is not a play by women for women. It is a really interesting story. It's interesting, historically, to look at that time and how incredible it was for everybody to suddenly see women on stage.”
“It will move you and make you laugh. It's not an especially long night at the theatre. You won't be there for four and a half hours, but you will enjoy yourself. It will make you think, feel, smile and laugh.”
