Nell Gwynn Tickets

Jessica Swale’s rollicking restoration play Nell Gwynn makes a well-deserved transfer from Shakespeare’s Globe to the Apollo Theatre London. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, Gemma Arterton stars as the extraordinarily ‘pretty, witty Nell Gwynn’, as described by Samuel Pepys.

Set in the heart of London in 1660 and based on the true story of Nell Gwynn, Swale charts Nell’s journey from lowly orange seller to fully-fledged actress and formal mistress to Charles II. At a time when only men were allowed onstage, Nell revolutionises theatre after being trained to become an actress by Charles Hart. Being the first woman to appear onstage, she becomes London’s favourite attraction and soon catches the eye of the King. Before long, Nell is catapulted into a world of grandeur, romance and fame. Full of bawdy songs and dances, as well as plenty of hilarious innuendo, Nell Gwynn is an absolute delight for audiences.

Gemma Arterton stars as the charming and raucous Nell, taking over from Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who impressed audiences at the Globe and earned herself a nomination for Best Actress in the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. Arterton has gone on to master the role, receiving five star reviews from critics across the board. After training at RADA, Arterton is well-known for her extensive film and television credits, including Quantum of Solace, St Trinians, Tamara Drewe and Gemma Bovery. Most recently, she appeared in the West End musical Made in Dagenham.

Further cast members include David Sturzaker (Cool Hand Luke), Jay Taylor (Wolf Hall), Michele Dotrice, Sasha Waddell and Sarah Woodward. Nell Gwynn features design by Hugh Durrant, original compositions by Nigel Hess and choreography by Charlotte Broom, all of which add to the rip-roaring restoration feel of the production. After a sell-out season at Shakespeare’s Globe, Nell Gwynn is a terrifically entertaining theatrical highlight, which is delighting audiences and critics alike.