Nell Gwynn, Apollo Theatre, review: A populist but big-hearted show

It even features a King Charles spaniel, just in case Arterton’s own puppy-dog eyes haven’t melted your heart

Holly Williams
Monday 15 February 2016 17:53 GMT
Comments
Gemma Arterton
Gemma Arterton (Simon Turtle)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jessica Swale’s play about 17th century orange-seller turned actress Nell Gwynn is as ripe and juicy as the fruits its heroine hawks. This broad and bawdy take on history transfers from the Globe, bringing on Gemma Arterton as its leading lady. Although in early scenes, Arterton’s simpering Cockney accent can grate, she soon won me over. A luminously lovely Nell, her softness makes filthy ditties and practical jokes seem cutely cheeky rather than rude.

Gwynn was one of the first actresses on the British stage, and Swale assigns her plenty of agency – she practically writes her own parts. She becomes the mistress of King Charles II (saucy David Sturzaker); they’re shown as properly in love, glossing over any unease at our feminist heroine actually being a kept woman.

This is a populist, fluffy, but big-hearted show, directed by Christopher Luscombe with extreme silliness; special mention must go to Michele Dotrice, whose comic timing as a befuddled wardrobe mistress reliably slays the audience. Nell Gwynn is stuffed with salacious jokes, knowing theatrical references, and the odd nod to our own times - a down-with-austerity line is met with cheers. It even features a King Charles spaniel, just in case Arterton’s own puppy-dog eyes haven’t melted your heart.

Buy tickets for Nell Gwynn with Independent Tickets

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in