The charming comedy drama Nell Gywnn comes to the Grand Theatre, Blackpool this spring.

Winner of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Jessica Swale’s blissfully funny Nell Gwynn embarks on its first ever UK tour, direct from critically acclaimed, sell out runs in the West End and at the Globe Theatre.

1660 Drury Lane. Charles II has cast off London’s drab, puritanical past with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. A young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence in London’s burgeoning West End theatre scene. Little does she know who is in the audience one fateful night.

Jessica Swale’s warm hearted, bawdy comedy tells the story of an unlikely heroine, who went from lowly orange seller to win the adoration of the public and the heart of the King. Starring Oliver Award nominated actress Laura Pitt Pulford, Nell Gwynn is brought to the stage by English Touring Theatre.

Jessica on her inspiration to write a play about Nell Gwynn –

“My interest was sparked by the moment in history, rather than by Nell herself. The juncture when women first entered the fray, stepping onto stage for the first time, and sent shock waves through the community”

“I like writing underdogs and, as women and the working class are both under-represented on stage, it seemed more interesting to view that moment through her eyes than, say, Charles II, who, let’s face it, has had his fair share of air time. Plus, she’s a natural heroine. A Cinderella, but with gumption and wit. What’s not to like?”

Jessica Swale is an award-winning playwright and the Artistic Director of Red Handed Theatre Company. Her first play, Blue Stockings was performed at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2012 and is a Drama GCSE set text. In 2012 she won a BAFTA JJ Screenwriting Bursary and is current commissions include the screenplay of Nell Gwynn for Working Title, the Horrible Histories Movie and Love [Sic], a new play for BBC Radio 4.

Laura Pitt-Pulford plays Nell Gwynn. Her theatre credits include The Smallest Show on Earth (UK tour), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), title role in Sweet Charity (Belfast MAC), Guys and Dolls (UK tour) and Copacabana (Watermill Theatre, Newbury).

To find out more about Nell Gywnn click here.