Laura Pitt-Pulford to star in Nell Gwynn UK tour

It has been announced that  Laura Pitt-Pulford will star in the English Touring Theatre's production of Nell Gwynn.

Jessica Swale's bio-drama will open at the Lowry in Salford on 1st March and tour to 29th April 2017. The play won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

Christopher Luscombe directs with design by Hugh Durrant, compositions by Nigel Hess, choreography by Charlotte Broom, lighting by Nick Richings and sound by Jeremy Dunn.

February's theatrical round-up

Star of the Month Emma Williams It is an utter joy to see Emma Williams back in the West End, starring in charming new British musical Mrs Henderson Presents. Williams' performance is endearing, feisty and incredibly brave. Her voice is stronger than ever - in the second act Williams' vocals gloriously soar as she belts out 'If Mountains Were Easy To Climb'. Mrs Henderson Presents is Williams' show, and as far as I'm concerned she should be nominated in the Leading Actress in a Musical category for this year's Olivier Awards. Read our previous interview with Emma Williams.

Show of the Month Nell Gwynn 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 had the most joyously incredible evening seeing the piece for the first time. Telling an interesting part of forgotten theatrical history, Gemma Arterton is perfectly cast in the title role and is joined by a stellar ensemble - all of whom give stand out performances. Director Christopher Luscombe and Swale have worked together impeccably well. Nell Gwynn is outstanding. Read our ★★★★★ review of Nell Gwynn.

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).