About

I’m an actress. They’ve never had one of those before. I’m a novelty.

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 (Anna 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.

“Marvellously entertaining: one of those evenings where theatre is more alive than life.” The Telegraph on Playhouse Creatures

“Intelligent, funny, and puts contemporary women centre stage.” The Guardian on April De Angelis’ Jumpy