Nell Gwynn - Review by Berenice Mann, East Midlands Theatre
Author: Jessica Swale
Director: James Dowson
Produced by: Combined Actors of Cambridge
Venue: ADC Theatre Cambridge
Performance: Thursday 16 July 2026
Last night’s production of Nell Gwynn was witty, heartfelt and full of exuberance, packed with bawdy jokes, poetry, songs, attitude and sheer theatrical joy. I was genuinely surprised to discover it had run for two and a half hours, as the time flew by.
Director: James Dowson
Produced by: Combined Actors of Cambridge
Venue: ADC Theatre Cambridge
Performance: Thursday 16 July 2026
Last night’s production of Nell Gwynn was witty, heartfelt and full of exuberance, packed with bawdy jokes, poetry, songs, attitude and sheer theatrical joy. I was genuinely surprised to discover it had run for two and a half hours, as the time flew by.
Jessica Swale’s charming and irreverent play charts Nell’s meteoric rise from orange seller to celebrated ‘actoress’ and ultimately the mistress of King Charles II. Jasmine Shah is superb as the spirited, quick-witted Nell, bringing warmth, humour and attitude to the role. Opposite her, Mark Hampton gives a nuanced performance as Charles II, portraying a king determined to enjoy life to the full, yet reluctant to rock the fragile political balance after the trauma of his father’s execution and his own years in exile. Their developing relationship forms the heart of the production, balancing romance with wit and vulnerability.
The play also explores the arrival of women on the English stage and the initial reluctance of male actors to accept them, until they realise their appeal to audiences. James Lee delivers an excellent performance as Edward Kynaston, the celebrated actor whose pride is bruised by Nell’s arrival, while James Inman is wonderfully warm and engaging as Mr Hart, Nell’s loyal mentor and admirer.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Danielle Padley shines as Nell’s sister Rose, Lindsey McAuley provides plenty of laughs as the delightfully reluctant actress Nancy (“I hate acting!”), Sarah Jarvis is excellent in the roles of the King’s discarded mistresses, and Toby Cordwell-Moore is suitably menacing as the manipulative Lord Arlington.
The set is simple but versatile, transforming seamlessly between theatre, rehearsal room and royal court, while the costumes are a real highlight. From lavish court gowns, wigs and embroidered coats to the more modest clothing of Nell’s humble beginnings, they help bring Restoration England vividly to life.
My only real criticism is that some of the dialogue is difficult to hear, even from the second row! Given the many references in the play for actors needing to ‘PROJECT’, it feels rather fitting to echo that plea.
Overall, this is a hugely entertaining production. Combined Actors of Cambridge have done full justice to Jessica Swale’s wonderful play, delivering an evening full of humour, heart and infectious energy.
Overall, this is a hugely entertaining production. Combined Actors of Cambridge have done full justice to Jessica Swale’s wonderful play, delivering an evening full of humour, heart and infectious energy.