Three Sisters Opens Canadian Premiere of Jessica Swale's NELL GYWNN

Three Sisters opens Canadian premiere of Jessica Swale's Nell Gwynn.

Three Sisters is celebrating its fifth birthday with plays about women, activism, and theatre. Following up on the critically acclaimed The Revolutionists this past February, Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale opens May 30 at The Gladstone Theatre.

"They've disgraced our trade. Ruined our art. They've put a woman on the stage!"

A smash hit that premiered at Shakespeare's Globe in London in 2013, this is the Canadian premiere of Nell Gwynn. It was nominated for numerous awards, and won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016. This new production also offers original music, played and sung by an immensely talented cast of 10 of Ottawa's best local performers.

It is 1660. The Puritans have run away with their drab grey tails between their legs. Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. And at Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence. Little does she know who's watching... Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain's most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the king. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? And at what cost?

"With women's stories and activism around women's rights constantly in the news, this show is not only wildly entertaining but incredibly relevant," says Robin Guy, Artistic Director for Three Sisters. "Nell was a groundbreaker - a woman well ahead of her time, ready to leap into something that had never been done before - at least, not legally. This play has got it all - adventure, high romance, and a dirty song or two - everything you want in theatre, all rolled into a wildly funny and deeply touching story. You can't help but love Nell and the people in her world, even while you question their motivations and actions. You laugh and cry through the story with them."

Nell Gwynn is directed by Eleanor Crowder, a local director with special interest in feminist theatre with credits including Mama's Boy and Windfall Jelly. Original music to Jessica Swale's lyrics by Robin Guy, whose music credits include This Flight Tonight, No Way to Say Goodbye, and numerous iterations of The Radio Show. Stage Management is by Lydia Talajic with Assistant Stage Manager Erika Scrivens, and the design team features scenic design and lighting by David Magladry and costuming by Kathryn Racine. The cast features a powerhouse of Ottawa actors including (in order of appearance) David Whiteley, Nicholas Dave Amott, Phillip Merriman, Bronwyn Steinberg, Robin Guy, Bryan Morris, Shawna Pasini, Brie Barker, J.T. Morris, and Cindy Beaton.

Come costumed as a female historical figure and get 15% off your ticket!

Bring your sister, and get the 2nd ticket half price! This offer is available at the door only, on show night: buy one ticket, and get a 2nd of the same or lesser value at half price.

Three Sisters loves students! Audience members with a valid student card can pay-what-you-can at the door for Three Sisters shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and weekend matinees.

Nell Gwynn previews at The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa on Wednesday May 29, then opens on Thursday May 30, and runs evenings at 7:30 (Sunday & Monday nights dark), 2:30 on Saturdays & Sunday, until Saturday June 8.

Tickets are available from The Gladstone box office at www.thegladstone.ca or 613.233.4523.

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