Gugu Mbatha-Raw will return to the London stage at the end of the summer, taking on the title role in Jessica Swale‘s historical bio-drama Nell Gwynn at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Christopher Luscombe will direct the new play, which is set in 1660 and charts the fortunes of the young woman raised in a brothel who became a celebrated stage actress and mistress to King Charles II. The production starts previews Sept. 19, with an official opening on Sept. 24. [more at source]