Nell Gwynn brings royal scandal and live music to Milford Haven

Pembrokeshire theatre company Artistic Licence will bring Jessica Swale’s Olivier Award-winning Restoration comedy Nell Gwynn to Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre from February 3 to 6, 2027. The production follows the rise of an orange seller who becomes an actress and King Charles II’s mistress, with live music, dancing, scandal and a dog among the promised attractions.

Key takeaways

Artistic Licence is returning to the Torch Theatre with a large local cast and a lively period comedy. The run includes three evening performances and a Saturday matinee.

• When: February 3–6, 2027

• Where: Torch Theatre, Milford Haven

• Evenings: 7.30pm, Wednesday to Friday

• Matinee: 2.30pm on Saturday

A Restoration story with a modern stage life

Written by Jessica Swale, Nell Gwynn tells the story of a woman who rises from selling oranges to performing on stage, becoming one of England’s first actresses. Her relationship with King Charles II adds royal romance and scandal to the play’s theatrical comedy.

Artistic Licence describes the production as a full ensemble show, with bawdy songs, dancing, live music and a canine cast member. The blend of comedy and music gives the story a lively, theatrical feel rather than presenting it as a straight historical drama.

Local performers lead the cast

Chloe Lock, who appeared in Artistic Licence’s earlier production of Noises Off, will play Nell. Marcus Lewis takes the role of King Charles II, with Kerry Steed as Rose Gwynn, Janine Lewis as Nancy and Carol Mackintosh as Old Ma Gwynn.

The wider cast includes Hannah Cramp, Laura Barrett, Meg Mcfarlane, Margaret Slater Harries, Dan Bower, Charles Owen, Alex Jukes, Frank Tobin, Will Oliver and Tomos Hopkins. The company’s founders—Mackintosh, Trisha Biffen and Lewis—said they were particularly excited to bring together a sizeable group of local performers.

Artistic Licence returns to the Torch

The company said it had received a warm response to Noises Off earlier in the year and was pleased to return to the venue with a contrasting production. Its new show promises colourful costumes, larger-than-life characters and plenty of mischief.

The production is a theatrical alternative for comedy fans: in London, Comedy in Your Eye hosts professional stand-up at The Camden Eye on Tuesday and Thursday nights, while Artistic Licence brings this comic story to the Pembrokeshire stage.

Performances begin at 7.30pm from Wednesday to Friday, followed by a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, February 6. The run ends after four performances at the Torch Theatre.

• Artistic Licence to stage Nell Gwynn at Torch Theatre, The Western Telegraph.