Playhouse Creatures
By April De Angelis
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
Last night’s press performance of Playhouse Creatures at Theatre Royal Bath was a joy to attend, and not just because the theatre itself was buzzing with energy. With a full house and a warm, lively atmosphere, the stage was perfectly set for an evening of brilliant performances—and the cast did not disappoint.
Originally written by April De Angelis, Playhouse Creatures tells the story of the first women to perform on the English stage in the 17th century, a time when theatres were re-opening after the Puritan ban and societal attitudes toward actresses were still riddled with judgement and contradiction. This production—by The Orange Tree Theatre—delivers the story with wit, heart, and no small amount of grit.
What makes this play so captivating is its ability to balance humour with poignancy. Act One sparkles with sharp comedy and quick-fire exchanges, capturing the thrill and novelty of women finally stepping into the spotlight. But as the curtain rises on Act Two, a darker, more sobering tone emerges, revealing the difficult realities these women faced behind the curtain—poverty, exploitation, and the limits of their newfound freedoms.
Originally written by April De Angelis, Playhouse Creatures tells the story of the first women to perform on the English stage in the 17th century, a time when theatres were re-opening after the Puritan ban and societal attitudes toward actresses were still riddled with judgement and contradiction. This production—by The Orange Tree Theatre—delivers the story with wit, heart, and no small amount of grit.
What makes this play so captivating is its ability to balance humour with poignancy. Act One sparkles with sharp comedy and quick-fire exchanges, capturing the thrill and novelty of women finally stepping into the spotlight. But as the curtain rises on Act Two, a darker, more sobering tone emerges, revealing the difficult realities these women faced behind the curtain—poverty, exploitation, and the limits of their newfound freedoms.
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
The all-female cast bring the play vividly to life. Anna Chancellor is a commanding presence as Mrs Betterton, the ageing actress clinging to the glory of the past while mentoring the new generation. Her performance was, in my opinion, the standout of the night—nuanced, layered, and deeply moving. Zoe Brough is a delight as the lively and ambitious Nell Gwyn, capturing the character's youthful charm and cleverness with real spark. Doña Croll, as the world-weary Doll Common, also deserves a special mention; her performance was both humorous and heartfelt, grounding the production with warmth and wisdom. Nicole Sawyerr brought strength and vulnerability to the role of Mrs Farley, portraying her character’s struggles with great emotional depth.
Together, the ensemble creates a compelling and often very funny depiction of camaraderie, competition, and survival in a world that demanded much and gave little. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, making even the play’s most painful moments feel human and heartfelt.
Together, the ensemble creates a compelling and often very funny depiction of camaraderie, competition, and survival in a world that demanded much and gave little. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, making even the play’s most painful moments feel human and heartfelt.
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
And a quick note about the venue itself: Theatre Royal Bath continues to be one of my favourite places to enjoy live performance. Last night, the theatre was alive with anticipation and excitement—the kind of shared experience that reminds you just how magical a night at the theatre can be.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, spirited, and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre, Playhouse Creatures is well worth seeing. Now showing at Bath's Theatre Royal from Monday 28th April until Saturday 3rd May.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, spirited, and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre, Playhouse Creatures is well worth seeing. Now showing at Bath's Theatre Royal from Monday 28th April until Saturday 3rd May.