Pretty witty Nell was far more than just one of the women who caught the eye of the lascivious Charles II.

She was a talented actress, singer and comedienne and in the hands of Rachel Maloy as Nell Gwynn in the play of the same name currently being performed by the Company of Ten in the Abbey Theatre, she comes alive.

Unsurprisingly the near capacity audience on Saturday night loved both the production and Rachel’s performance.

And while the eponymous Nell is pivotal to the play by Jessica Swale, the rest of the cast ensured it was an evening to remember as well.

Directed jointly by Elena Markham and Tim Hoyle, the production milks the comedy for all it is worth and demonstrates how plays should be directed in contrast to the often chaotic and hilarious performances by Nell’s company, the King’s Players.

It is played out on a simple but clever set that is variously a rehearsal room, a stage and a palace.

Songs – or maybe ditties might be a better word – are performed throughout with a live band directed by Jamie Jenkins positioned in shadow above the stage.

And special mention has to go to the wardrobe team led by Gill Stratford for the brilliant costumes and wigs.

Rachel’s Nell is a revelation both as a singer, dancer and actress. She owns the stage whenever she appears and her transformation from orange seller to king’s mistress is beautifully handled. Indeed in all her fine raiments, she looks very similar to the real Nell in Peter Lely’s famous painting .

Mike Butcher as King Charles also gives a first-rate performance as the merry monarch, unable to keep his hands off his paramours but able to step up where necessary.

Dan Clucas as Nell’s mentor Charles Hart and Clive Webb as Thomas Killigrew, the theatre company’s principal, throw themselves wholeheartedly into their roles.

And who could not love Mark Dawson’s hilarious performance as Edward Kynaston who took the women’s roles in the company before Nell’s arrival.

They get terrific support from Keith MacDougall’s lugubrious John Dryden and although she only has a small role, Ali Pagan as Nancy, who actually has some of the best lines.

Over in the court, Tony Bradburn brings all his theatrical experience to bear as the scheming Lord Arlington.

And both Katherine Barry as Charles’s Queen Catherine and Darcy Jones as another of his mistresses Louise De Keroualle are hilarious as they sound off in their respective languages - allegedly.

It is clear that the whole cast thoroughly enjoy their roles and this is a real feelgood production if ever there was one.

Nell Gwynn runs until Saturday (16) and unsurprisingly is proving very popular with local audiences.

Tickets can be obtained from the box office on 01727 857861 or go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk.