I’m an actress. They’ve never had one of those before. I’m a novelty.
Orange Tree Theatre has announced the full cast for the upcoming revival of April De Angelis’ Playhouse Creatures directed by Michael Oakley. Joining the previously announced Anna Chancellor (Mrs Betterton) are Zoe Brough (Nell Gwyn), Doña Croll (Doll Common), Katherine Kingsley (Mrs Marshall) and Nicole Sawyerr (Mrs Farley). Playhouse Creatures opens on 21 March, with previews from 15 March and runs until 12 April before touring to Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford from 22 – 26 April and Theatre Royal Bath from 28 April – 3 May.
It’s the swinging (16)60s, and ‘the merry monarch’ Charles II is on the throne. After violent civil war, England's theatres have finally reopened and, for the first time, women are allowed to perform in public. In the West End, grande dame Mrs Betterton (Chancellor) rules the roost. But there’s a new face in town: an orange-seller with dreams of stardom.
From dressing-room camaraderie to bitter rivalry, April De Angelis’ gloriously exuberant, bawdily funny and deeply poignant play celebrates five women grabbing this newfound freedom and making their way in an unfamiliar world. But at what price?
April De Angelis’ plays have entertained audiences at the National Theatre, Royal Court, and in the West End. Anna Chancellor’s prolific career on stage and screen includes Four Weddings and a Funeral, Kavanagh QC and My Lady Jane.
Listings
- PLAYHOUSE CREATURES: 15 March – 12 April 2025
- Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA
- Press night: Friday 21 March at 7pm
- OT UNDER 30 NIGHT: Friday 28 March
- Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm
- Captioned Performance: Tuesday 8 April at 7:30pm
- Relaxed and distanced performance: Wednesday 2 April at 7:30pm
- OT on screen: Tuesday 15 – Friday 18 April