Humble Maria, who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston, takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.
Claire Danes
as Maria
Billy Crudup
as Ned Kynaston
Derek Hutchinson
as Stage Manager
Mark Letheren
as Male Emelia/Dickie
Tom Wilkinson
as Betterton
Ben Chaplin
as George Villiars, Duke of Buckingham
Hugh Bonneville
as Samuel Pepys
Fenella Woolgar
as Lady Meresvale
Richard Griffiths
as Sir Charles Sedley
Clare Higgins
as Mistress Revels
Rupert Everett
as King Charles II
Tom Hollander
as Sir Peter Lely
