Written by April De
Angelis
Directed by Jordan
Best
Pigeonhole Theatre
Company
Q Theatre, Queanbeyan
to 9 April
Review by Len Power
31 March 2016
This play, ‘Playhouse Creatures’ is set in 1669 in England after
Charles II decreed that men were no longer to play the roles of women on
stage. On the surface that seems to be a
great time for women so long denied the chance to act. The reality is that women found it to be a
precarious occupation only one step away from prostitution and poverty. Focussing on five of the most famous
actresses of the time, including Nell Gwynn and Mary Betterton, the play
doesn’t flinch from showing what it was probably like behind the scenes.
Jordan Best, the director, has done some of her best work
here with a strong production that works on all levels. Played on a split level set well-designed by
Christine Nowak and lit by Kelly McGannon, the atmosphere of a Restoration era
theatre is nicely captured. The music
score by Matthew Webster is hauntingly beautiful.
There are great performances from the entire cast. Amy Dunham as Nell Gwynn is superb as the
rough young girl who wants to be an actress.
Her transformation to a beauty desired by a King is expertly done. Karen Vickery gives a highly detailed and
very real performance as the reigning queen of the theatre, Mary
Betterton. Jenna Roberts plays her role
with a delicacy and fragility that is heart-breaking and Emma Wood gives a grand
performance both humorous and sad. Liz
Bradley is nicely tough and funny as Doll Common and expertly delivers some of
the best lines in the show.
The period costumes by Anne Kay run the gamut from rags to
riches and all are nicely designed and suit the actresses very well. Penny Vaile has done an excellent job, too,
with the period hairstyles.
There are two major reasons to see this play. It tells a fascinating story about an
important time in theatre history and it’s an opportunity to see some of
Canberra’s top actresses giving extraordinary performances.
Len Power’s reviews
can also be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program on Saturdays from
9am.
