A brimmer to the king

Morning!!

This week's blog is an interview with Lawrence Ellis who plays the infamous Charles II in our forthcoming production of 'Nell Gwynn'.
See below for Lawrence's thoughts on Charles as a person, and his advice if you're looking to audition for the Artists Theatre School this year!!

"Hi Lawrence, so how have you been finding rehearsals so far in comparison with your previous years at ATS?"

In a word: good. This show is definitely the most challenging that certainly I have ever done with ATS because of all the singing and dancing aspects of the show. However I think the cast are fantastic and all working really hard, not a weak link in sight (not that there ever is!). This has definitely been the most rehearsal intensive show I have ever done but I think it is shaping up in to one of the best!

"And how has it been to play a real life character that everyone knows of?"

Really interesting. It's great to have so much information on which to base the character. The records from Charles' time are so detailed and complete that I'm able to read letters he wrote and hear things he actually said! Apparently one of his favorite saying was 'Odds fish' which was an exclamation meaning 'God's face' much like the well known Australian phrase 'struth' meaning 'God's truth'.

"You've obviously done a lot of research on Charles. Give us a brief overview of his background".

He was Dutch, French, Italian, Scottish and English. He grew up during the civil war which wasn't particularly easy for him, he was present at many battles in the First English Civil war famously charging the Roundhead lines with nothing but a pistol only to be dragged back by his guardian. He idolised his father, Charles I who was executed at the end of the civil war, and I think his Father's death hit him very hard. Charles spent a lot of his consequent exile in Jersey/Guernsey which, when Charles I was beheaded, was the only place in the kingdom that pronounced Charles II as king!

"Tell us about his relationship with Nell Gwynn, our heroine of the play"

He met Nell when he saw her on stage. I think the reason Charles fell in love with Nell is because she challenges him. He is the King and used to getting his own way in life and with the ladies. Nell, however, does not give in quite so easily. Nell never asked to be titled like his other mistresses, but insisted that Charles recognise all of their children. This is a testament to the sort of woman she was and the relationship they had. She might even have loved him too...

"And which of his other mistresses do we meet in this play?"

Lucy Walter is mentioned by name though we never see her. She was the first of Charles' mistresses to bear him a child (others before her claimed, but were never recognised). She was rumoured to have married him in secret but no document was ever found to prove it. Then there is Barbara Castlemaine, who we do meet in the play. She is a bit of a wild card who was only really in it for the fame and titles...bit of a nasty one but knew how to play the game and win over the King. Louise de Keroualle is the last one we see/hear of. She was part of the French court and so was never fully trusted as most thought she was there as a spy for King Louis. However she was with Charles for many years.

"And you've been with ATS for the last 5 years. What advice would you give anyone considering auditioning for next year?"

DO IT!! It is an amazing school and out of any training I have done in the past it has been the one I have learnt the most from. The teaching in the first term is second to none - with masterclasses from actors and professionals that drama schools could only dream of getting in to teach! Also, if you are lucky enough to get in, just one piece of advice...don't be late!!!!

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The cast of Nell Gwynn

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