Before arriving at a show about one of Charles II’s mistresses, I was a little apprehensive, what was it actually going to be like? However, Pretty, Witty Nell was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, from the innuendos to the thought-through references to 17th century dramatists.
A one-woman spectacle, Pretty, Witty Nell recounted the story of one of Charles II’s mistresses however, it managed to bring to life and humanise a character almost lost to history. The show mixed details from her personal life alongside the wider struggles and successes of 17th century women (they were allowed to perform on stage for the first time during this period – a fact that feels all the more significant at Fringe!).
Pretty, Witty Nell featured bold humour which I was afraid would end up too lewd, however, this acted as a fantastic bedrock from which to build empathy and compassion for Nell, as she recounted her life experiences including sexual assault and, of course, being at Charles II’s grave, now penniless. The emotional scenes were poignant and heartfelt – Nell drinking when recounting her alcoholic mother’s death was one of the moments in the show really that stuck with me, as did Nell clawing for help when recounting the Great Fire of London.
The bawdy humour also perfectly encompassed the role one expects a 17th century actress and prostitute to revel in, and this is what I think was one of Pretty, Witty Nell’s greatest strengths. It took a tale that seemed predicable and made it utterly relevant in today’s world. With references to the dangers of religious extremism (or an impression of Oliver Cromwell banning Christmas) and political turmoil so rife in this period, the show spoke volumes about learning from history.
The show’s wider context was also on the money. References to Aphra Behn, Dryden (England’s first Poet Laureate), and Pepys truly brought Nell to life, creating an all the more enjoyable and immersive experience. Physical theatre in the show was highly commendable, I particularly enjoyed the use of a fan to differentiate between different mistresses.
All in all, this show was a joy to watch and experience, and for anyone interested in historical fiction, it’s a sure winner.
Pretty, Witty Nell is running until 17 August at the Theatre at Bedlam Theatre.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Ryan J-W Smith, provided to The Student as press material