by Jessica Swale.

Zola Thomas as Nell Gwynn

“They’ve disgraced our trade. Ruined our art. They’ve put a woman on the stage.”
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, Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence. Little does she know who’s watching.

Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Cheapside’s 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?

This exhilarating take on the heady world of Restoration theatre premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2015. It transferred to the West End in 2016 going on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

A Stables production directed by Tim Wormley-Healing.

Generously sponsored by Funnell and Perring Solicitors