A UNIQUE fund-raising event will see an historian act out the life of a royal mistress to support people in crisis-hit Syria.
Tutbury Castle curator Lesley Smith will take on the role of Nell Gwynne, who was the mistress of Charles II, as part of an event at the Castle Street-based attraction on Thursday, April 11.
Money raised will help refugees in Syria, after Oxfam launched an appeal in response to the ongoing troubles in the violence-hit country.
Heidi Lee, co-ordinator of the Oxfam fund-raising group, said: “The more tickets we manage to sell, the more we are able to help these suffering people.
“We aim to raise at least £600 for this appeal from this event, which would allow Oxfam to purchase enough warm blankets to help 48 Syrian families.”
Guests at the event will have the opportunity to spend the evening in the grounds of the castle and will be entertained by the castle’s curator as she takes on the persona of Nell Gwynne, in full historical costume.
She will bring all the colour and glamour of this time to life through her performance as Nell.
Following the show, guests will receive a jacket potato supper and refreshments.
Miss Lee added: “This is an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening in Tutbury Castle’s glamorous marquee and to meet one of the most famous girls in English history, Nell Gwynne.
“This is a rip-roaring tale from the 17th century when King Charles II was on the throne.”
Mrs Smith told the Mail: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Oxfam to the castle for this special event and I know audiences in the past have loved Nell.
“This is the perfect opportunity for guests to have a fun evening as well as fund-raising for some of the most needy in the world.
“Nell Gwynne was from the greatest poverty herself and with a little help was able to become a star – by coming to this event you can help those with very little.”
Tutbury Castle has been a Royal Castle for 800 years and King Charles II was one of the castle’s many owners during its long history
More information is available by emailing derbyemergency@oxfam.org.uk or calling 07968 112426. Tickets cost £15.
