Review: THE RESTORATION OF NELL GWYN at Park Theatre

Nastazja Domaradzka 2 February, 2016, 10:06

The Restoration of Nell Gwyn Nell Gwynn, the famous mistress of King Charles II has recently become a favourite historical figure.

Jessica Swale’s highly acclaimed play “Nell Gwyn” is now being transferred from the Globe to the West End, whilst at Park Theatre “The Restoration of Nell Gwyn”,written by Steve Trafford, presents a more authentic image of “pretty, witty Nell”.

Surrounded by doctors, illegitimate children and various lords,Charles II is dying. Meanwhile Nell (Elizabeth Mansfield) is driving herself mad in her Pall Mall residence, anxiously awaiting any news regarding her lover’s health.

As Nell grows more worried about her future she begins to confide in her maid Margery (Angela Curran) who, unlike Nell has never relied on men regardless of her circumstances.

The contrast between the two female characters and both Mansfield’s and Curran’s skilled performances are what makes the production so vibrant and compelling.

As the relationship and contrast between the two women grows stronger, so does our understanding of their own personal struggles and limitations that come from being a woman. After all it doesn’t matter that one dances to lure men and the other “for the love of dancing itself”, what matters is that neither of these women were ever given the opportunity to choose, this realisation forces Nell to question her own self.

Full of comedy moments and accompanied by live music and singing “The Restoration of Nell Gwyn” could be dismissed as a light piece of theatre, but there is more to the production than its wit and slapstick comedy.

Richard Aylwin’s minimalistic set compliments the production by keeping things in the style of the period, whilst Henry Purcell’s beautiful music gives us an opportunity to see Nell in a more vulnerable and delicate light.

Steve Trafford’s writing touches on universal themes, such as sex, the class system, desire, political beliefs and most importantly womanhood. A fresh perspective on the famous “protestant whore”.