Playhouse Creatures opens with Doll telling a story about the life of an actress in the English Restoration. Doll is the oldest character in the play and has harsh views of life that come from abuse and utilization of the transition from the shift in power in England from Puritanism to the reign of Charles and the English Restoration. The play then continues and focuses around Nell Gwynn, a tavern worker, desperate for a role as an actress. Nell then meets Elizabeth Farley, a woman who is also in a desperate situation and living out on the streets and doing the best she can where she can. The relationship ensues with Nell and Mrs. Farley where Mrs. Farley constantly reminds Nell to call her Mrs. Farley and not Lizzie. The pair then go and audition for Betterton’s Playhouse for a job as an actress. They join a group of other actresses that are quite talented but mostly shown off for the attractiveness of their bodies and objectivity of women.
While the group of actresses objects to their current situation, they are willing to get up on stage and perform as actresses. Nell is only too happy to join in in the style in which the performances are done in the playhouse and begins to excel in the job. Mrs. Farley does well as well and begins to attract a couple of noble men on the side. However, as the play progresses Mrs. Farley becomes pregnant and loses her job at Betterton’s theatre and is forced out onto the street. Nell and the gang continue to work at Betterton’s Playhouse where the play closes as the life of the actress becomes what it is today.
While the group of actresses objects to their current situation, they are willing to get up on stage and perform as actresses. Nell is only too happy to join in in the style in which the performances are done in the playhouse and begins to excel in the job. Mrs. Farley does well as well and begins to attract a couple of noble men on the side. However, as the play progresses Mrs. Farley becomes pregnant and loses her job at Betterton’s theatre and is forced out onto the street. Nell and the gang continue to work at Betterton’s Playhouse where the play closes as the life of the actress becomes what it is today.
