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    this is a right royal treat
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    theatre retains its rightful place
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Nell Gwynn Tickets

Gemma Arterton stars as the vivacious Nell Gwynn in Jessica Swale’s play of the same name. Christopher Luscombe directs this rip-roaring restoration comedy, which is brimming with music, dance and plenty of laughs.

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.

Performance dates:
30 Apr 2016 - 30 Apr 2016
Running time:
2hrs 30 mins
Venue:
Apollo Theatre (See map)
Age recommendation:
14+
Audience Notes:
Fans of the Shakespeare’s Globe production will enjoy the transition to the Apollo Theatre, with Gemma Arterton bringing a new verve to the role. Those who enjoy laugh-out-loud comedies will be enthralled by this production.
Categories:

Best Seats

SeatPlan Recommends: The Apollo is an intimate theatre and offers good views across the board. Be sure to sit in the front of the Stalls for the best view of the play and for some fun audience interaction.

Latest Audience Reviews

l enjoy the show and the history, the actors were very good and the set is beautiful.

sergioAraujo Top 100 reviewer 21 Jan 2018

The show was incredible. Gemma Arterton was sitting on stage right by me, was an amazing cast. Th... More

sarahward Top 50 reviewer 05 Aug 2017

I loved Gemma Arterton's performance in this play. I thought it was excellent, with great pace, h... More

helenkeegan 20 Jul 2017
meglw 16 Aug 2017

The show was amazing. The cast was brilliant. The sets were cool.

sarahward Top 50 reviewer 31 Jul 2017

The show was amazing. Gemma Arterton sat right by where I was seating. Gemma Arterton Was unbelie... More

sarahward Top 50 reviewer 30 Jul 2017
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