Stage Beauty: The True Story of Edward Kynaston, the First Female Impersonator
The Rise of Edward Kynaston
In the mid-17th century, Edward “Ned” Kynaston was the most celebrated actor on the English stage. Theaters had just reopened after the Restoration of the Monarchy (1660), and Kynaston’s fame stemmed from his exceptional beauty and acting prowess. He was considered by many to be the most beautiful woman in the world, and the diarist Samuel Pepys called him “the compleat female stage beauty.”
Women on Stage
At the time, it was illegal for women to act on stage in England, so men and boys played female roles. Kynaston had trained his entire life to do so, and he excelled in portraying Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello.
The Arrival of Mariah Hughes
In the film adaptation of Kynaston’s story, Mariah Hughes is Ned’s assistant. She helps him with costumes and makeup, and she secretly practices his gestures and movements. Fascinated by Ned’s performances, Mariah dreams of becoming an actress herself.
The Illegal Production
One night, Mariah borrows Ned’s wig and costume without permission and runs away to play Desdemona in an illegal production of Othello. Ned discovers her secret and reveals it to the King, who is intrigued by the idea of women performing on stage.
The King’s Decision
King Charles II grants official permission for women to act on stage, threatening Ned’s livelihood. Furious, he despises Mariah’s acting ambition and gives her a negative review at an audition.
Nell Gwynn’s Intervention
Nell Gwynn, the King’s mistress, is outraged by Ned’s treatment of women. She convinces the King to make it illegal for men to act in women’s roles.
Mariah’s Rise and Fall
Mariah/Margaret Hughes becomes celebrated as England’s first actress, but she lacks real talent. As other women start to play female roles and become famous actresses, Mariah’s lack of skill becomes apparent.
Kynaston’s Downfall
Ned loses his job and his lover, the Duke of Buckingham. He finds only a degrading job performing bawdy songs in a squalid tavern.
The Reconciliation
Mariah seeks out Kynaston, still in love with him. They spend a night together, but she berates him for his lack of understanding of women’s emotions.
The Final Performance
Kynaston agrees to help Mariah prepare for a performance of Othello. He teaches her how to play Desdemona, and during the play, he genuinely attacks her on stage, resulting in an amazing performance. The audience is stunned, and Mariah’s career is revived.
The Legacy of Edward Kynaston
Kynaston’s story highlights the changing gender roles and acting styles of the Restoration period. His performances as a female impersonator paved the way for women to take on stage roles, and his influence can still be seen in modern acting techniques.