Pretty Witty Nell: A Restoration Rhapsody of Laughter and Loss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pretty Witty Nell is a triumphant one-woman show that masterfully transports its audience to the vibrant and chaotic world of the Restoration. With a powerful script and captivating acting, this performance breathes life into the tragic yet funny story of Nell Gwynne, tracing her improbable journey from selling oranges to becoming a celebrated actress and mistress of the king.

The storytelling in Pretty Witty Nell feels both vibrant and genuinely personal. It's an ambitious production, not least because it is entirely written in rhymed iambic pentameter. While this might initially seem challenging for some modern viewers, it quickly reveals itself as a brilliant artistic choice, adding a musical quality that perfectly echoes the stylistic flair of Restoration comedies.

Clarissa Adele, in the titular role, delivers a truly magnetic performance. The show begins on a delightfully playful note, instantly meeting expectations with Adele's bold and funny portrayal of Nell, clad in a corset, selling oranges, and even dropping topical jokes about rising prices – a surprising touch that immediately draws you in.

However, Pretty Witty Nell is far more than just a comedic romp. Just like Nell’s own life, the performance skillfully conceals a deeper sadness that gradually unfolds. Both Clarissa Adele and writer/director Ryan J W Smith deserve immense praise for how seamlessly the play navigates this unexpected yet poignant emotional turn. Nell’s sorrowful narrative emerges with striking honesty and nuance through each line, brought to vivid life by Adele's remarkable portrayal.

Pretty Witty Nell fulfills all the essential elements that a solo performance should: it feels intimate, grandly theatrical, and deeply emotional. It’s a compelling dramatic achievement that blends historical insight with compelling character work, leaving a lasting impression.