Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale
Audition
Sunday 23rd March 2pm & Wednesday 26th March 7.30pm
Run Dates November 15th -22nd 2025
Directed by Carol Davies
London, 1660. King Charles II has ascended to the English throne and restores theatre and performance following the Puritanical reign of Oliver Cromwell. He lives a hedonistic lifestyle, with a love of all things flamboyant, extravagant and sexy.
At the playhouse in Drury Lane, orange-hawker, Nell Gwynn, is making waves of her own.
When she takes to the stage as one of the first female actors, she causes bawdy havoc in a male-dominated world, and soon comes to the attention of the King. Rising from her roots in the slums, she becomes the nation’s most celebrated actress and, infamously, the favourite mistress of the King.
However, her meteoric rise to fame comes with its own dangers. With her family and her friends at risk, Nell must decide where her future lies….on the stage or at the Palace.
Characters
5 female parts including Nell Gwynn, Lady Castlemaine & Catherine of Braganza (plus 2 ensemble )
7 male parts including Charles II, John Dryden & Thomas Killigrew ( plus 2 ensemble)
Musician
The company should be prepared to sing and dance. Nell should be a strong singer. The 12 main parts are all very strong distinct characters. French and Portuguese are spoken by 2 of the female actors!
Playing Age range from 20s to 50s
The auditions will be in the form of an informal read through. You don't need to be a member of Saddleworth Players - but we'll happily sign you up! Membership is free).
Contact saddleworthplayers@millgateartscentre.co.uk for more information.
Feel free to shall this information with anyone who you think will be interested.
Playing dates November 15-22 2025 with rehearsals starting in September on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays usually from 730pm, 7pm on Sunday