Compleat Female Stage Beauty by Jeffrey Hatcher


Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Title : Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0822221497
ISBN-10 : 9780822221494
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 81
Publication : First published January 1, 2006

In 1661 the most famous portrayer of female roles on the London stage was a performer named "Kynaston." Like every other player permitted to enact such roles, Kynaston was a man. A celebrity artist shining bright at the crest of the Restoration Ned, or Mr. K as he's called, is applauded onstage and off for his interpretations of Shakespeare's tragic ladies: Ophelia, Cleopatra, especially his Desdemona and his famous "death scene". He s the toast of the town and the very secret "mistress" of the powerful Duke of Buckingham. But when an unknown named Margaret Hughes plays Desdemona one night at an illegal theater, instead of stopping the show, the ever-game King Charles II changes the law to allow women to act. By the stroke of a pen, Kynaston's world is turned upside-down. He loses his cachet, his livelihood, his lover and his sense of self. And as such women as the king's own courtesan Nell Gwynn, and Kynaston s former dresser Maria, become stars, his own light disappears until fate and his desire for revenge give him a chance to take the stage again.

Compleat Female Stage Beauty Reviews

  • Stronglysalty

    4.25
    Glad I got to read this for my theatre class. This was honestly hilarious and so engaging. Would love to see a live performance of this.

  • Denise

    It felt long but I have a feeling it will go quite fast. I have no sympathy for Kynaston so I kept being more aware of the development of the women.

  • m

    Read this for my playwriting class— I was engaged the whole time!! I would love to see this performed live!

  • Zeljka

    This was so good and exciting play, that I finished it under an hour. Every scene was so vivid and witty, and they all made sense to the whole. I wish only the story did something more with Maria. It is fine though because the focus of the play was on the acting itself and the love of doing it. There are no limits if there's a passion for it (and talent).

  • Branden

    This is a wonderful read, and I cannot wait to audition for it in the coming weeks. I will add a full review later.

  • Gracie

    It was unexpected, but I enjoyed reading the story. I liked how the female was portrayed throughout the story!

  • Kayley

    A good insight into the liberation of actresses and the downfall of a female protrayer. Historical accuracy is a question, but this is a sight for comedy.