The theatre has confirmed it will also expand beyond its Richmond venue to two new locations: Thomas’s College gardens and and St John the Divine church.
Orange Tree Theatre Artistic Director Tom Littler and Executive Director Julie Weston have confirmed initial programming for 2026, which will take the work of the Orange Tree to Thomas’s College gardens for OT on the Hill and St John the Divine church for OT in the Church. This work will run alongside will run alongside the theatre’s main season in 2026.
Over the summer, Tom Littler will direct two of Shakespeare’s comedies Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing in the gardens of Thomas’s College for OT on the Hill. This will be presented in repertory as a co-production with Guildford Shakespeare Company. The shows will run from the 31st July and run until the 22nd August.
Meanwhile, OT in the Church will follow in the autumn. David Suchet returns to the stage for a new production of T.S. Eliot’s classic Murder in the Cathedral, presented in Richmond’s St John the Divine church, directed by Tom Littler. Following its run in Richmond, Murder in the Cathedral will transfer to Theatre Royal Bath. It will run from the 12th October – 7th November.
Also announced for Spring 2027, Tom Littler will direct Roger Allam and Freddie Fox, who will co-star in King Lear and Richard II, to be performed in repertory at the Orange Tree Theatre.
Talking about the news, Tom Littler said: “2026 will be a transformational year for the Orange Tree, as we redevelop our front of house and backstage spaces. Without Arts Council funding, we’ve already raised over 80% of our £4.5million target, and we can’t wait to create a theatre that’s open and accessible to everyone – a space where creativity, connection, and community can thrive.
The Orange Tree will remain open for almost the whole year, and in 2026 we’ll produce more shows than ever before. In spring, we’ll announce details of two major new plays, a dazzling comedy, and our biggest ever community project. Today, we unveil some projects that take our work out into our beautiful neighbourhood, from the splendour of St John the Divine church to the idyllic gardens of Thomas’s College.”
To find out more visit: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/