Nell Gwynn follows the rise of an unlikely heroine, charting Gwynn’s rise from her beginnings in Coal Yard Alley to becoming one of Britain’s most famous and acclaimed actresses and winning the heart of King Charles II.

But at a time in which, though the puritans have been scattered by Charles’ more extravagant sensibilities, women are considered second class citizens, how far can her spirit and charm protect her? And at what cost?

Nell Gwynn is played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw who rose to fame in Doctor Who, played Ophelia opposite Jude Law’s Hamlet in the West End and took the lead role in acclaimed movie Belle.

Nell Gwynn is the second play by writer Jessica Swale to premiere at The Globe, following 2013 hit Blue Stockings.