Review: Nell Gwynn at the Apollo Theatre starring Gemma Arterton

Nell Gwynn 

Apollo Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 16th February 2016

★★★★★

Jessica Swale’s new play Nell Gwynn, which has transferred to the West End following a short season at the Globe, is an absolute must see. I took my seat at the Apollo knowing nothing about the piece - somehow I hadn't even glanced at a review or taken notice of a star rating - and proceeded to have the most joyously incredible evening.

Production images released for Nell Gwynn starring Gemma Arterton

Production images have been released for Nell Gwynn which has transferred to the West End following its run at The Globe. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

Gemma Arterton plays the title role in Jessica Swale's new play. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production is currently in previews at the Apollo Theatre ahead of press night on 12th February. The play runs until 30th April 2016. 

PICS: Gemma Arterton rehearses Nell Gwynn

Rehearsal images have been released for Nell Gwynn which is transferring to the West End following its run at The Globe. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

Gemma Arterton plays the title role in Jessica Swale's new play. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production opens at the Apollo Theatre on 12th February (previews from 4th February) for a limited run to 30th April 2016. 

Completing the cast are: Paige Carter, Michele Dotrice, Matthew Durkan, Michael Garner, Greg Haiste, George Jennings, Ellie Leah, Peter McGovern, David Rintoul, Anneika Rose, Nicholas Shaw, David Sturzaker, Jay Taylor, Sasha Waddell and Sarah Woodward.

Full casting announced for Nell Gwynn starring Gemma Arterton

Full casting has been announced for Nell Gwynn which is transferring to the West End following its run at The Globe.

As previously announced, Gemma Arterton will play the title role in Jessica Swale's new play.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production opens at the Apollo Theatre on 12th February (previews from 4th February) for a limited run to 30th April 2016. 

Completing the cast are: Paige Carter, Michele Dotrice, Matthew Durkan, Michael Garner, Greg Haiste, George Jennings, Ellie Leah, Peter McGovern, David Rintoul, Anneika Rose, Nicholas Shaw, David Sturzaker, Jay Taylor, Sasha Waddell and Sarah Woodward.

Gemma Arterton returning to the West End

It has been confirmed that Gemma Arterton will play the title role in Jessica Swale's new play Nell Gwynn.

Transferring to the West End following its run at The Globe, Nell Gwynn will open at the Apollo Theatre on 12th February (previews from 4th February) for a limited run to 30th April 2016.

Arterton recently won an Evening Standard Theatre Award for her musical theatre debut in West End musical Made In Dagenham.

The actress made her professional stage debut at the Globe in 2007 as Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost. Last year she starred in the title role in The Duchess of Malfi. On stage Arterton has also starred as Hilde Wangel in Ibsen's The Master Builder (Almeida) and as Ellen in Jamie Lloyd's production of The Little Dog Laughed (Garrick). 

Review: Made In Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre

Made In Dagenham 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 5th November 2014
★★★

Hooray! A NEW British musical has opened in the West End which has a relevant story to tell! What's the catch? Sadly it's not quite up to scratch... yet.

Transporting us back to 1968, Made In Dagenham is inspired by a true story about a group of Essex girls working in a factory who went on strike demanding equal pay. Gemma Arterton plays Rita O’Grady who leads the girls on their mission, but soon discovers it isn't easy to organise a strike and maintain a happy family life at the same time. Nevertheless, Rita and her friends battle against Ford, refusing to back down.

Sneak peek at... Made in Dagenham

Producers of Made in Dagenham have released first production images via the musical's Facebook Page ahead of its official opening on Wednesday (5th November). Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge) and 'like' Made in Dagenham on Facebook to view more!

Interview: Gemma Arterton

International stage and screen actress Gemma Arterton is currently preparing to star as Rita O’Grady in the West End’s newest musical, Made In Dagenham.

Based on the hit British film, Made In Dagenham opens at the Adelphi Theatre in November. The new musical comedy has been in development for around four years, with Gemma involved from the early workshop stages.

Director Rupert Goold has gathered a dream team to adapt the successful film for the stage. Made in Dagenham has a book by Richard Bean, music by David Arnold and lyrics by Richard Thomas.

Yesterday (Tuesday 17th June) I headed to the Playhouse Theatre for the musical’s press launch. First we were treated to five of the show’s catchy, funny and poignant numbers which showed off the piece’s huge potential. It certainly is set to be the most relevant new musical we’ve seen in the West End for a while!

Gemma made her professional stage debut at the Globe in 2007 as Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost. Earlier this year she returned to the theatre to star in the title role in The Duchess of Malfi. On stage Gemma has also starred as Hilde Wangel in Ibsen's The Master Builder (Almeida) and as Ellen in Jamie Lloyd's production of The Little Dog Laughed (Garrick). 

Made In Dagenham releases first trailer

The producers of Made In Dagenham have released the new musical's first trailer. Watch the video below.

Made In Dagenham opens at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday 5th November (previews from 9th October). Based on the hit British film, the new musical comedy will star international stage and screen actress Gemma Arterton as Rita O’Grady opposite Adrian der Gregorian as her husband Eddie.

Made In Dagenham is directed by the Almeida's Artistic Director, Rupert Goold. The creative team also includes One Man, Two Guvnors writer Richard Bean (book), BAFTA and Grammy award winning composer David Arnold (music) and the Olivier Award winning Richard Thomas (lyrics). 

Gemma Arterton & Stephen Mangan to host the Olivier Awards

It has been announced that Gemma Arterton and Stephen Mangan will host the 2014 Olivier Awards. The ceremony is being held on Sunday 13th April at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Highlights of the event will be broadcast later that evening on ITV.

It was recently revealed that Arterton will star in the new musical adaptation of Made In Dagenham, opening at the Adelphi Theatre later this year. Mangan is currently starring in Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense at the Duke Of York's Theatre.

CONFIRMED: Gemma Arterton to star in Made In Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre

Following previous reports, producers have confirmed that Gemma Arterton will star in the West End premiere of Made In Dagenham. The musical will open at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday 5th November (previews from 9th October). Based on the hit British film, Arterton will play Rita O’Grady in the musical comedy opposite Adrian Der Gregorian as her husband Eddie. Tickets are on sale now.

Arterton is "beyond thrilled" to be creating the role of Rita on stage. The international star of stage and screen said: "It’s an important story that I’m passionate about telling, and we intend to tell it with wit, warmth and, of course, a lot of singing and dancing in this production! Roll on October!"