Thanks to popular television programmes such as Horrible Histories, history has been a fascinating subject for everyone; especially if it looks in detail at interesting characters we may know by name and the main events they are associated with. What if we had the chance to hear Nell Gwyn's story in her own words in her most comfortable place on stage (or in Charles II's bedroom)? During this year's Brighton Fringe, we have the opportunity to do this thanks to Rogue Shakespeare and their second play this season Pretty Witty Nell. Here we see Gwyn herself not only entertaining us with her stylised, restorative wit, but also invites us to listen to her tale; a rare chance to hear her life story with all the juicy details history doesn't always show.
A rare chance to hear her life story with all the juicy details history doesn't always show.
Rogue Shakespeare seems to be very thorough in the telling of Nell Gwyn's story, and allows the natural comedic element of the character come through Ryan JW Smith's well written dialogue. Despite one or two stumbles over some of the words near the beginning, Gwyn is brought to life as she shares her life from being poor to being the King's chosen concubine. We find out that in order to bring money in, her mother starts her own brothel and Nell serves the customers behind the bar whilst they wait their turn. When she turns to acting, she finds comedy is her strongest suit and starts turning men's heads as she learns her trade and discovers this life isn't always all it's cracked up to be through some of her early disastrous choices with men before ending up with her 'Charlie' as she calls him.
It is an extremely strong performance with very clear characters which are not rushed as their carefully planned transitions take place with a slight hint of a change of wig, or a prop to highlight the distinct voices and physicality used for each one. Sometimes the comedy catches you unawares as she satirises people she dislikes in particular; such as the rival mistress her 'Charlie' takes in who is French and is an aristocrat. She mocks her with an accent that is reminiscent of classic comedy series Allo Allo and is equally saucy with it when imitating her with no remorse. A simple red sparkling lace fan represents her and a really well observed moment of hilarity occurs when she describes the rival as a short woman. Shortly after she says it, she takes a moment, realises the fan is too high and quickly moves it down with such force that she makes herself taller than the other woman.
Rogue Shakespeare's Pretty Witty Nell is funny, sharp witted and brutally honest about life and the era Gwyn lived in. One to watch.
