Playhouse Creatures heads to Potters Bar's Wyllyotts Theatre

The play, written by April De Angelis and directed by Nick Vause, will be performed from Wednesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 9.

Tickets can be booked via the Wyllyotts Theatre box office on 01707 645005 or at wyllyottstheatre.co.uk.

Lorraine Bottomley as Mrs Marshall, Tamsin Goodwin-Connelly as Nell Gwynn and Anna Macer as Doll Common. (Image: Potters Bar Theatre Company)

Playhouse Creatures is set in 1663, at the time of King Charles II - who changed theatre forever by deciding that women should be allowed to perform on stage for the first time.

The play focuses on the fortunes of five women as they try to make a name for themselves in a precarious and often dangerous world.

Director Nick Vause said: "Although this play is set more than 350 years ago, it’s full of contemporary resonances – especially for the 'Me Too' generation.

Tamsin Goodwin-Connelly as Nell Gwynn and Shevaughn Seedall as Mrs Farley (Image: Potters Bar Theatre Company)

"It deals with what it was like to be the first women to work in a world dominated by men and shows how they were exploited and even abused.

"It’s a hard-hitting play but it’s also about the thrill of performing on stage, which makes for some very moving and touching moments.

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"At the same time, it captures something of the camaraderie and joy of backstage life, with many comical and even hilarious moments."

Potters Bar Theatre Company decided to stage Playhouse Creatures following their successful production of Jumpy - also by April De Angelis - last year.

Described as a 'challenging and enthralling' play, the theatre company invites audiences to come and learn the stories of these pioneering women.

Tamsin Goodwin-Connelly and Lorraine Bottomley in 'Playhouse Creatures' (Image: Potters Bar Theatre Company)

Catherine Little as Mrs Betterton (Image: Potters Bar Theatre Company)