Jessica Swale’s play about the actress and mistress of King Charles II opened at the Apollo Theatre last night. Were critics impressed? 

The Guardian: ****Michael Billington wrote: “If this one is remembered it will largely be for Arterton, who offers the most generous, and broadest, of Gwynns.”

The Stage: ***** Mark Shenton said: ” Nell Gwynn is a wonderful, warm-hearted and generous piece of theatrical history, performed with just the right amount of affection and affectation.”

The Telegraph: ***** Dominic Cavendish thought that: “All in all, but finally down to the now A-list Arterton, this is a right royal treat. Go.”

Time Out:  *** Miriam Gillinson found: “Arterton is charming as hell but there’s something about the play’s persistent jolliness that slightly grates in the closer confines of the Apollo. ”

British Theatre.com: ***Emily Hardy commented: “Nell Gwynn’s remarkable Cinderella story has been given new life in Jessica Swale’s light-hearted, bawdy comedy, but it’s just crying out to be back at the atmospheric, open-air Globe Theatre.”

London Theatre 1: ***** Laura- Jane Foley wrote: “Nell Gwynn is a brilliant romp; a well-paced comedy with entertaining songs.”

Overall verdict: this is very much Gemma Arterton’s show but with great support from the rest of the cast. But there are a few questions as to whether it would have been better to have remained at the Shakespeare’s Globe for a longer run. Worth a visit. 

Nell Gwynn is on at the Apollo Theatre until the 30th April. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.