The year is 1669 – a bawdy and troublesome time. The theatres have just re-opened after seventeen years of suppression under the Puritans, encouraging a great upsurge in dramatic writing. Of vital importance to the development of drama was the entrance of the first actresses upon the English stage. April De Angelis has taken five famous figures – Nell Gwyn, Elizabeth Farley, Rebecca Marshal, Doll Common and Mary Betterton – and given us a fascinating look at the precarious lot of actresses at that time. A comic and moving account of the true lives of Restoration actresses.

“With deliciously absurd extracts from the heroic repertory and frantic dressing-room scenes, the prevailing tone is comic, but you are not allowed to forget the gutter waiting to reclaim these glittering figures” – Independent on Sunday

”...flesh and blood heroines…you’ll come away moved and inspired and with a few more female role models stamped firmly on your heart.” – Time Out

”...an immense talent and witty, sensitive dialogue… – Tribune