Gemma Arterton to star in Nell Gwynn at the Apollo

Gemma Arterton will star in the production at the Apollo Theatre in the title role, with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the play originally ran at the outdoor Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on London's South Bank, where it received generally positive reviews.

"It is 1660. The Puritans have run away with their drab grey tails between their legs. Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. And at Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence. Little does she know who's watching."

Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain's most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the king. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? And at what cost?

Gemma Arterton recently won the Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer in a Musical for her performance in the short-lived new musical 'Made in Dagenham' which ran at the Adelphi Theatre for a limited time. She previously starred in the Globe Theatre's production of 'The Duchess of Malfi' at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, alongside 'Loves Labour's Lost' in 2007. Her West End credits include 'Little Dog Laughed' at the Garrick Theatre and 'The Master Builder' at the Almeida Theatre.

Tickets for the production go on general sale on Thursday 3 December, 2015.