Following the success of last February's hilarious production of Noises Off, Pembrokeshire theatre company Artistic Licence is back with another theatrical treat – and this time, they're heading to the scandalous world of Restoration England!

With a cast of 15 local performers, live music, bawdy songs, dancing, gorgeous costumes and plenty of mischief, Nell Gwynn promises a riotously entertaining night at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 February 2027.

Written by Jessica Swale, with music by Nigel Hess, Nell Gwynn tells the remarkable story of a spirited young orange seller who rises from the streets of London to become one of the first actresses on the English stage – and captures the heart of King Charles II along the way.

First performed at Shakespeare's Globe in 2015, with Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the title role, Nell Gwynn went on to enjoy a critically acclaimed West End run starring Gemma Arterton at London's Apollo Theatre. The play won the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016, and now Artistic Licence is bringing this celebrated theatrical romp to Pembrokeshire audiences, with Chloe Lock stepping into Nell's shoes.

Funny, feisty and fiercely independent, Nell finds herself navigating a world of theatrical ambition, royal romance, jealous rivals and scandalous intrigue. It's a gloriously colourful celebration of theatre, music and a woman who refused to know her place.

Audiences will remember Chloe Lock from her hilarious performance as the beleaguered assistant stage manager in Artistic Licence's hugely successful production of Noises Off earlier this year.

She's joined by a fantastic ensemble of familiar Pembrokeshire performers, including Marcus Lewis as King Charles II, Kerry Steed as Rose Gwynn, Janine Lewis as Nancy, Carol Mackintosh as Old Ma Gwynn, Hannah Cramp as Queen Catherine, Laura Barrett as Lady Castlemaine and Meg Mcfarlane as Louise de Keroualle.

The large cast also features Margaret Slater Harries, Dan Bower, Charles Owen, Alex Jukes, Frank Tobin, Will Oliver and Tomos Hopkins, bringing together a wealth of local talent for what promises to be one of Artistic Licence's most ambitious and entertaining productions yet.

And with a live band providing the soundtrack to the onstage antics, audiences can expect a lively evening bursting with music, laughter and theatrical spectacle.

Artistic Licence was founded by Carol Mackintosh, Trisha Biffen and Marcus Lewis to bring classic plays and brilliant comedy to local audiences, while creating opportunities for Pembrokeshire performers to shine on the professional stage.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Carol, Trisha and Marcus said:"We had such a wonderful response to Noises Off earlier this year, and we're absolutely delighted to be returning to the Torch with something completely different!

"Nell Gwynn has everything you could possibly want from a great night at the theatre - a fabulous story, larger-than-life characters, glorious costumes, wonderful music and more than a little scandal.

"One of the things we're most excited about is bringing together such a large cast of talented local performers. There's something very special about seeing Pembrokeshire talent filling the stage, and with live music and all the fun of Restoration theatre, we think audiences are in for a real treat.

"And yes, there really is a dog!"

Artistic Licence presents Nell Gwynn at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 February 2027.

Performances take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are priced at £22 (£20 concessions) and can be booked through the Torch Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267 or online at: www.torchtheatre.co.uk/events/artistic-licence-presents-nell-gwynn/

The production is suitable for ages 14 and over.