The full cast has been revealed for a major new production of Nell Gwynn, which is coming to Chester's Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre this summer.

Jessica Swale's Olivier Award-winning play will be staged as part of the wider Storyhouse in the Park 2026 season.

Actor Rose Shalloo will take on the title role, joined by Adam Clifford, Celia Cruwys-Finnegan, Tamsin Dowsett, Elliot Harper, Burhan Kathawala, Sufia Manya, Jamie Ross, Guy Woolf and Stanton Wright.

The production is a new co-production between Storyhouse, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Theatre by the Lake.

Olivier Award winning Playwright Jessica Swale said: "It's so exciting to see Nell Gwynn brought to life again, especially by Theatre by the Lake.

"At its heart, it's about who gets to tell stories and whose voices are heard and that feels just as urgent now as it did then."

Nell Gwynn runs at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre from Friday, August 21 until September 6. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £20.25 for Storyhouse members and £22.50 for non-members.

The play tells the remarkable true story of one of Britain's first and most famous actresses. From selling oranges in the theatre pit to becoming the mistress of King Charles II, Nell Gwynn charts the rise of a woman who broke barriers on the English stage.

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Packed with music, humour and historical characters, the production promises a bold and energetic retelling of the story.

The new staging is directed by Bryony Shanahan, whose previous work includes Bloody Elle, Let the Right One In and No Pay No Way!.

Set and costume design is by Jess Curtis, with lighting by Mark Distin Webster, sound by Pete Malkin and movement direction by Sundeep Saini. Composer and musical director is Candida Caldicot.

Director Bryony Shanahan says: "When I first read the script for Nell Gwynn, it jumped to life right off the page. It demands to be told, to take up space, to be loud, to be funny, to be moving.

"At the heart of the story is Nell, and her story of radical change - whilst never forgetting your roots - drives us through the action. We see her step into a space she was never 'supposed' to occupy and transform it completely."

The production forms part of the 2026 Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre season, which runs from June 27 to September 6.

Other productions this summer include Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story, opening on July 3, new drama Let The Sun Shine! from July 10, and family favourite Peter Pan, which runs from July 28 to August 13.

Visitors can also enjoy open-air cinema screenings, comedy nights, murder mystery events, yoga sessions and family activities throughout the summer.

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More details, including full dates and ticket prices, can be found here.