Jessica Swale’s Nell Gwynn, Starring Gemma Arterton, Will Transfer to London's West End

Gemma Arterton is returning to the West End! After an acclaimed run at Shakespeare's Globe, Jessica Swale’s new play Nell Gwynn, directed by Christopher Luscombe, will play the Apollo Theatre from February 4, 2016. Starring Arterton in the title role, opening night is scheduled for February 12.

Arterton was most recently in the West End in Made in Dagenham; additional stage credits include The Duchess of Malfi, The Little Dog Laughed, The Master Builder and Love’s Labour’s Lost. On screen she has been seen in Quantum of Solace, The Voices, Gemma Bovery, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, Song for Marion, Byzantium, Runner, Runner, A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s adventue, Tamara Drewe, Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, St Trinian’s and Tess of the D’Urbevilles.

It is 1660. The Puritans have run away with their drab grey tails between their legs. Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. And at Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn (Arterton) is selling oranges for sixpence. Little does she know who’s watching. The play charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the King. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? And at what cost?

The limited engagement will run through April 30.