6c Light Rain
Pretty Witty Nell, Theatr Colwyn
THEATREGOERS are being invited to journey through history when the story of one of the Britain's earliest celebrities comes to the region next month.
Pretty Witty Nell, a one-character retelling of the tale of infamous actress and mistress Nell Gwyn, comes to Theatr Colwyn on June 13, and star Caroline Harding believes North Wales audiences aren't going to be disappointed.
"Nell's father was in the Welsh Guards and she actually had some Welsh blood, so in a way a lot of Welsh people have actually taken her on as one of their own," she explains.
"I love coming to Wales and I know the audiences are a warm and friendly lot, so I'm hoping to give them a show they won't forget."
The play sees Caroline take audiences on Nell's journey from the early days as an orange seller to the heady era of 17th century aristocracy, in a technique she describes as "historical stand up".
"It's all about taking the audience on a journey through Nell's experiences, and it's a rollercoaster ride through all the different experiences of her life" she adds.
"Nell came from such humble origins but became one of the most famous women of her day, in a time when men were the absolute rulers. I suppose if she was around today she would be a regular in Hello! magazine, as she was very much the Sienna Miller of her time. It shows so much of today's celebrity culture existed back then."
Nell was chosen by Caroline as the subject for her latest performance - staged by the Two Friends production company she part-owns - after she read up on the history of the glamorous actress. She says even audiences who are not immediately familiar with the Nell Gwyn story will find the play an emotional journey which evokes both comedy and compassion.
The Theatr Colwyn performance will mark the sole North Wales showing of the play, and Caroline says she is excited about returning to the region.
"My husband [Coronation Street actor Chris Gascoyne] and I have been to North Wales lots of times before, and although we particularly enjoy visiting Llandudno, I have fond memories of spending New Year's Eve in Colwyn Bay two years ago."
"The region is so unspoilt, and as a buckets and spades sort of area, it's still a joy to visit. It's a joy to celebrate the Welsh way of life."
Although now more famed for her 17 year affair with King Charles II, Nell was one of the most famous actresses of her time, and Caroline says an actress playing the role of an actress has allowed her to explore the more extreme characteristics of the historical icon's personality with confidence.
"The reaction to the play so far has been fantastic, and lots of people have emailed me, trying to find out more about her."
Pretty Witty Nell, Theatr Colwyn,June 5, Tickets from £7, on 01492 532643 or www.venuecymru.co.uk
