Orange Tree Theatre (OT) releases the first rehearsal images for the upcoming revival of April De Angelis' Playhouse Creatures, directed by Michael Oakley.

The cast features Anna Chancellor (Mrs Betterton), Zoe Brough (Nell Gwyn), Doña Croll (Doll Common), Katherine Kingsley (Mrs Marshall) and Nicole Sawyerr (Mrs Farley).

Anna Chancellor plays Mrs Betterton in Playhouse Creatures (credit: Ellie Kurttz).

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. 

Katherine Kingsley plays Mrs Marshall in Playhouse Creatures (credit: Ellie Kurttz).

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? 

Nicole Sawyerr plays Mrs Farley (left) and Michael Oakley directs Playhouse Creatures (credit: Ellie Kurttz).

April De Angelis (Playwright): Notable works include Kerry Jackson (National Theatre), My Brilliant Friend (National Theatre, Rose Theatre Kingston), Jumpy (Royal Court, West End), Playhouse Creatures (Old Vic), and Wuthering Heights (Birmingham Rep).

Zoe Brough (plays Nell Gwyn): Theatre highlights include Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (West End) and The Nether (Royal Court, West End). TV credits include Father Brown, and film includes Porcelain.

Anna Chancellor (plays Mrs Betterton): Stage credits include The Seagull and Stanley (National Theatre), Private Lives (West End). TV highlights include The Crown, Penny Dreadful, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice. Film credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Zoe Brough plays Nell Gwyn in Playhouse Creatures (credit: Ellie Kurttz).

Doña Croll (plays Doll Common): Theatre includes Richard II (RSC), The Doctor (West End, New York). TV includes Death in Paradise and The Long Song. Film credits include Mr Malcolm's List.

Katherine Kingsley (plays Mrs Marshall): Theatre includes The Witches, Top Girls (National Theatre), Noises Off (West End), Piaf (Donmar, Vaudeville). TV credits include Unforgotten, Black Mirror, and Decline and Fall. Film includes Matilda.

Nicole Sawyerr (plays Mrs Farley): Notable theatre includes Much Ado About Nothing (RSC), Wuthering Heights (UK tour), Road (Northern Stage).

Michael Oakley (Director): Key productions include Infamous (Jermyn Street Theatre), Gin Craze! (Royal & Derngate), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare's Globe), and The Invisible (Bush Theatre).

To find out more about April De Angelis' Playhouse Creatures at the OT click here.

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