Cast off to make way for younger, prettier faces, left in the lurch by famous boyfriends and doing some of their most lucrative work on their backs, the first women actors set the scene for the whole profession.

Set in 1669, April de Angelis's Playhouse Creatures tells the story of some of the period's best known performers, including Charles II's mistress Nell Gwyn.

With some spicy language and five strong characters, it calls for good performances, and gets them in this Talisman production.

Newcomer Alison Hanson's Nell takes the royal mistress from spirited urchin to the King's palace, her ascent mirrored by the fall of Sam Harris's haughty but human Elizabeth Farley.

Presiding over the company, Kate Willis's matriarchal Mary Betterton pines for better roles, while Vicki Hollings as the wronged Rebecca Marshall shows the injustices women suffered at the hands of their 'patrons'.

If all this sounds a bit po-faced, special mention should go to Wendy Morris (Doll Common) who keeps the comic scenes ticking over.

The set looks fantastic, and choreographer Robin Stokoe's knowledge of period stagecraft adds an extra dimension.

There were one or two flaws. It may have been the play, but rushed scenes towards the end were a little confusing, and the odd overstated Cockney accent and missed line rang false.

Even so the Talisman have done justice to a powerful play.

Robert Collins

Verdict: Feisty and touching.