Theatre history relives onstage through the true tale of one of the first actresses (and prostitutes) to ever tread the English boards. Guillermo Nazara shares his thoughts on this one-woman play written in the purest Shakesperean style, to let us know if this piece actually deserves to be or not to be.
Two theatres, both alike in dignity, In fair Old London, where we lay our scene As Charles II takes the throne The winds of change have swiftly blown For on the stage it's no longer banned For women, too, to take the stand O, come fair Nell, a rising star The tales of whom shalt travel far And that's the story that tonight Will be recounted to our delight Rogue Shakespeare Co. brings us the thrill While Ryan J-W Smith holds the quill And take us through a distant time With gripping yarn and graceful rhyme A vivid story is to come by With raging passion running high For nothing gets us more beguiled That court's bed rumours going wild There's so much drama and ado You won't believe it all was true But it did happen - those weren't lies And now it's shown before your eyes Reenacted intricately and with flair By this gentle wench, who knows the affair Miss Hannah Attfield is the name No noble blood, but good at the game For she transports us through her speech To feats that both enthrall and teach
The show is wholesome and good fun Yet there's more things that could be done Though they exude talent and wit It's true this should not be just it Bring out the horns! Well, the sounds will do That's all it needs so it comes through Just more immersive shalt be enough For this great venture to take off Do not confine its setting to the stage Make us believe we're in that age But that's no hurdle for its success It still has much in it to impress Quite refined writing and lovely playing Makes it stand out - no need for swaying Good omens then for this fine piece We hope it flies from Laos to Greece My thanks to you, I hope you agreed And, above all, that you enjoyed the read O, and thank you to, I shan't forget, Those who have put their blood and sweat For your hard effort has helped soar The soul of Nell, our fellow whore
Pretty Witty, Nelly plays at London’s Baron’s Court Theatre until Saturday 23. Tickets are available on the following link.
First Night Magazine 