London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy’s restored, and women are finally allowed on stage. One woman is about to take it by storm.
Orange-seller, wit, trailblazer, Nell Gwynn is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. From the chaotic pit of Drury Lane to the polished halls of Charles II’s court, Nell’s rise to fame as one of Britain’s first actresses is equal parts hilarious and defiant. She can dance, she can sing, she can hurl a one-liner sharper than any sword and yes, she might just steal the King’s heart along the way.
Packed with mischief, music and plenty of flair, Nell Gwynn is a riotous celebration of performance and women who won’t behave. With a fierce female-led ensemble at its heart, this rollicking comedy dances to its own beat and keeps the gents on their toes.
Join us for a night of song, satire, and stage-crashing brilliance in this gloriously funny, feminist comedy that asks: why play by the rules when you can write your own?
Nell Gwynn
by Jessica Swale | Directed by Bryony Shanahan
Thursday 9 July – Saturday 1 August 2026 | 7.30pm; with 2pm matinees on selected dates
Live at Theatre by the Lake (Main House) set in the Round
From £12 | Age 14+ All U16 ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder
Theatre by the Lake, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Storyhouse Theatre present
You may also like the following events from Theatre by the Lake:
Also check out other
Arts events in Keswick,
Theatre events in Keswick,
Comedy events in Keswick.
