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Nell Gwynn
A play that charts the rise of an unlikely heroine in 1660s England, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain's most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the king. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? And at what cost?
96 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 8, 2021
4.5 rounded down.
I first came upon Swale via the excellent film 'Summerland' that she both wrote and directed, that (not coincidentally) also starred Gemma Arterton. I was so impressed with her writing, I wanted more, and for the most part, this fun historical romp did not disappoint. Apparently this is a revised edition that the playwright rewrote following the first production, and it still could use a bit of tweaking and some judicious editing. But it's loads of fun, and loved the postmodern nod to Titanic!
I first came upon Swale via the excellent film 'Summerland' that she both wrote and directed, that (not coincidentally) also starred Gemma Arterton. I was so impressed with her writing, I wanted more, and for the most part, this fun historical romp did not disappoint. Apparently this is a revised edition that the playwright rewrote following the first production, and it still could use a bit of tweaking and some judicious editing. But it's loads of fun, and loved the postmodern nod to Titanic!
April 28, 2018
Excellent New Play
A must read new work. The dialogue is snappy and witty! I loved every second of it! I cannot wait to see a performance!
A must read new work. The dialogue is snappy and witty! I loved every second of it! I cannot wait to see a performance!
December 11, 2022
As people who follow my reviews probably know, I love history plays, and this one is a very good one. Nell Gwynn (also spelled Gwyn or Gwynne) is one of those really intriguing figures who managed to overcome the normal limitations of a rigidly hierarchical social class system and rise from obscure poverty to wealth, fame, and power. Partly her rise was due to being in the right place at the right time--i.e., around the theatre in the first years women were allowed to perform on the English stage--but the larger part was Nell's wit and intelligence, which captivated fellow actors, audiences, and King Charles II. Although in Swale's play, Nell declares that she doesn't want to be political, as one of Charles' most important mistresses (probably the most important), she had to negotiate a world of court etiquette and intrigue for which her upbringing in Cheapside would have provided little preparation. Simultaneously, she was one of the most beloved actors of the Restoration stage, and with a small number of other women played a key role in establishing women as talented and (semi-)respectable performers.
Swale does not give a documentary account of Nell's life and career (as she makes clear in the interview published at the beginning of this version), but she does a really good job of showing the various challenges of Nell's life and how she struggled but ultimately succeeded at managing them.
https://youtu.be/i4_t8fKoNxs
Swale does not give a documentary account of Nell's life and career (as she makes clear in the interview published at the beginning of this version), but she does a really good job of showing the various challenges of Nell's life and how she struggled but ultimately succeeded at managing them.
https://youtu.be/i4_t8fKoNxs
April 19, 2025
One of my favourite plays.
Funny, clever and warm
Funny, clever and warm
April 10, 2020
Witty!
A play on words, on works, literature and history..
*On depiction of women in plays then*
-Nell:
No, Mr. Dryden! It's not! We're as knotty and tangly as you are, and yet how do you write us? 'Oh Romeo, Romeo, lend me your dagger so I can kill myself -- for though I'm young and healthy and have everything to live for-- and I only met you a week ago-- my life's not worth living now you've gone.' Really? It's hogswill. Juliet is a noodle. Who wrote that twaddle anyway?
-Dryden:
William Shakespeare
Nell:
Well, he should learn to write proper plays. [...]
A play on words, on works, literature and history..
*On depiction of women in plays then*
-Nell:
No, Mr. Dryden! It's not! We're as knotty and tangly as you are, and yet how do you write us? 'Oh Romeo, Romeo, lend me your dagger so I can kill myself -- for though I'm young and healthy and have everything to live for-- and I only met you a week ago-- my life's not worth living now you've gone.' Really? It's hogswill. Juliet is a noodle. Who wrote that twaddle anyway?
-Dryden:
William Shakespeare
Nell:
Well, he should learn to write proper plays. [...]
September 16, 2017
The scene where Dryden describes the plot of Titanic is the best thing to ever come out of postmodernism.
The play moves swiftly, if sometimes a bit clunky in its use of time. It could have made more of the relationships between the women in the play and not so frequently put them against each other. It felt like the whole cast was mad for Nell except the rather cliche, gay Kynaston. But Nell is worth your time, for her bawdy exuberant self.
The play moves swiftly, if sometimes a bit clunky in its use of time. It could have made more of the relationships between the women in the play and not so frequently put them against each other. It felt like the whole cast was mad for Nell except the rather cliche, gay Kynaston. But Nell is worth your time, for her bawdy exuberant self.
March 23, 2022
kinda obsessed can't even lie
May 3, 2025
I am doing a scene from this play as a part of my acting course, playing King Charles II. This play is so much fun to read, the innuendos, Charles’ character in general. Even reading it I can tell the timing of lines is great and very effective. I love Jessica Swale, I was in her play Blue Stockings which is also amazing, she really has a talent for historical feminist plays. I really felt the importance of Nell Gwynn being one of the first women on stage, and there are so many parts that are historically accurate which brings the reader/audience in even more. Their relationship is portrayed beautifully, the flirtation, and how it is clear from the start their feelings are different to what they’ve experienced before. The laxative scene was hilarious. I am so excited to get stuck into this play and the character of Charles, I would rate it 4.5 stars if I could because it is not overly groundbreaking but it’s really incredible. I want to see it on stage so bad.
Favourite quotes
“Finest English sausage”
“I’m the Protestant whore!”
“Don’t let poor Nelly starve”
Favourite quotes
“Finest English sausage”
“I’m the Protestant whore!”
“Don’t let poor Nelly starve”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2018
This is an engaging and intelligent play which may be better on the page than on the stage. Who knows? I saw it as I was halfway through reading it and enjoyed the show and enjoyed both halves of my reading -- although my experience of reading it definitely was changed be seeing it.
On stage in Chicago it's not sure exactly what genre of play it is but it's still a pleasure to watch. The Chicago Tribune review linked below describes some of that ambiguity but overall Nell Gwynn deserves -- as a play and as a production -- more than the two stars awarded.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entert...
On stage in Chicago it's not sure exactly what genre of play it is but it's still a pleasure to watch. The Chicago Tribune review linked below describes some of that ambiguity but overall Nell Gwynn deserves -- as a play and as a production -- more than the two stars awarded.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entert...
July 30, 2017
I loved this play. I love strong female leads, historical settings, comedy, plays about plays, and this play has all of that!
I have not seen this performed yet, but as I read it I could completely imagine it being played before an audience. Swale has written an effective exploration of society during Restoration England, exploring the roles of men and women, both high and low, and the options and restrictions available to all.
Central to the narrative is the engaging character of Nell Gwynn, famous for being mistress to Charles II, and one of the first women to perform in theatre in England. Swale's play covers the period of their meeting up until Charles II's death.
I have not seen this performed yet, but as I read it I could completely imagine it being played before an audience. Swale has written an effective exploration of society during Restoration England, exploring the roles of men and women, both high and low, and the options and restrictions available to all.
Central to the narrative is the engaging character of Nell Gwynn, famous for being mistress to Charles II, and one of the first women to perform in theatre in England. Swale's play covers the period of their meeting up until Charles II's death.
February 7, 2024
Technically, this shouldn't be on my book challenge for this year as I read this for an exciting 'top secret' upcoming academic project, but I enjoyed it (even if there's one small specific section which annoys me). I saw the play years ago in the Globe and it really did work incredibly well in that space.
March 25, 2018
Well, the play itself was a little on the crude side, but watching from backstage as the actors played out the scenes was very entertaining.
It's also interesting to find out that it's a true story.
- And it's really cool that I was in an Australian premier ;)
It's also interesting to find out that it's a true story.
- And it's really cool that I was in an Australian premier ;)
January 11, 2023
I read this as a possible spring show idea. While the writing is witty and laugh out loud funny at times, it is too bawdy for my high schoolers and Montana audience. If I ever get the chance to see it, though, I'd be happy to go!
July 9, 2017
Bawdy, irreverent and energetic.
December 29, 2018
Witty and fast paced. Loved the character of Nell.
February 23, 2019
I loved this play and wish I'd seen it in London with Gemma Arterton. I read that it's been optioned for a movie. I'd rather it came to NY live on stage, but I'll take what I can get. :)
May 29, 2020
Fun research [my novel Becca DuMaurier / http://becca.neale-sourna.com] and imaging two of my fave Brit actors femme acting this play part: Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gemma Arterton. Go Nelly!
August 16, 2020
Jessica Swale has one of my favourite wits working today.
Would have sobbed to see Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gemma Arterton take on Nell.
Would have sobbed to see Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gemma Arterton take on Nell.
December 30, 2021
Very amusing play. Characters are well fleshed out and the story is good.
December 23, 2023
DREAM DREAM DREAM ROLE
March 26, 2024
Sobbed why is this so heartbreaking
April 12, 2024
Pretty funny. Quite good. Honestly though at the end. I don’t really like Nell at all. Don’t know why but I just dislike her
October 9, 2024
Quite bawdy but very touching in places - an interesting historical play that, I imagine, would be a hoot to be in or to watch.
May 2, 2025
DID PART OF MY THESIS ON HER
January 31, 2022
Amazing play about the one of the first female actresses and how being the star cost her more than she thought. Loved it!
March 16, 2022
Easily one of my new favorite plays!!!! So fun and witty, beautifully written and vulnerable. Outstanding storytelling about an AMAZING woman!
May 27, 2024
Charming, funny, delightful. Act one is way too long, and unnecessarily so – entire scenes could easily be cut – but this is a pleasurable piece of theatre. I also think Nell Gwynn is a bit too aimed at theatre people than it should be, but this play is a love letter to Gwynn herself, to the Restoration theatre, and to the love story of Nell and Charles II of England.
April 6, 2022
It was okay.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews