Bawdy, witty, poignant, sharply perceptive . . . April de Angelis's Playhouse Creatures, about a defining period in the history of the stage combines these ingredients into a potent mix.

Set in Restoration England, the play captures the early days of women on the stage, when a reinstated King Charles II proclaimed that women, not boys, should play female roles. It was a liberating move - or was it? As De Angelis starkly illustrates, shapely legs were more important than acting skills, and could make the difference between celebrity status and becoming a penniless outcast.

The play follows the fortunes of five women who were icons of their day, the most famous of whom is Nell Gwyn, the humble orange-seller who achieves her dream of treading the boards and goes on to become the King's mistress. Her early attempts at acting, under instruction from one of the senior members of the troupe, Mrs Betterton, are among the comic highlights of the play. So too is her first appearance onstage, when she forgets her lines but saves the day with some impromptu dancing - much to the delight of the riotous onlookers. But as Nell prospers, others in the troupe are not so lucky, and this becomes a tale of bitter rivalry and tragedy.

d=3,3,1In this production by Pressgang, all the conflicting emotions are brought sharply into focus, and the authentic costumes set it firmly in the period. Recorded audience boos and cheers, cleverly placed to make it sound as though they are coming from the auditorium, heighten the riotous atmosphere. The cast of five blend superbly. Rose Pardo Roques is delightful as Nell, but there are strong performances, too, from Jo Noble as fading actress Mrs Betterton, Margaret Bateman as old crone Doll, Rose McPhilemy as Mrs Farley and Amy Danson as Mrs Marshall.

Funny and shocking in equal measures - including the use of strong language - this play will rock your emotions mercilessly, but is never less than thoroughly entertaining.

Playhouse Creatures continues at the OFS Studio until Saturday. Box office: 01865 297170.