By Jeffrey Hatcher
Director: Chris Baldock
It is 1661. King Charles II decrees that women can now play men’s roles on the stage. It is a dire time for Edward Kynaston, who specialises in female roles and whose entire identity is tied up in his rendering of the ‘compleat female stage beauty’. Margaret Hughes, an actress, has stolen his Desdemona. Not only has she absorbed the role, but she has imitated his every gesture. Her career soars while he loses everything. He sets out to seek his revenge.
Great humour and high drama combine in a lavish epic based on historical fact. A Victorian premiere.
Warning: strong language and adult themes
Season dates: 19 April – 5 May 2012
Enquiries chris.baldock@gmail.com
Production Co-ordinator: Ellis Ebell; ellis@pagebell.com
THE CAST:
Edward Kynaston: Scott Middleton
Margaret Hughes: Jessica Perry
Thomas Betterton: Angelo De Cata
Samuel Pepys / Hyde: Bruce Akers
Villars, Duke of Buckingham / Voice 1 / Ruffian Two: Adam Ford
Maria: Bethany Jewell
Sir Charles Sedley / Voice 3: Ellis Ebell
Charles II / Audience Male: Gavin Williams
Nell Gwynn: Maggie Chrétien
Male Emilia / Ruffian One / Voice 2 / Sir Peter Lelly / Thomas Killigrew / Bouncer / Thug: Ben Mitchell
Lady Meresfale / Audience Female / Mistress Revels: Mandi Burns
Miss Frayne / Mrs Elizabeth Barry / Female Emilia: Janet Provan