Ahead of their upcoming productions of a small and quiet light with Priyanga Burford and Murder in the Cathedral with David Suchet, the Orange Tree Theatre has confirmed full programming for its 2026/2027 season.
The Orange Tree theatre in Richmond has announced complete programming for its 2026/2027 season.
This festive season, the theatre will present Cranford (3rd November until the 16th January), which will see Tamsin Greig leading the cast in the stage adaptation based on the original novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, co-created and directed by Josh Roche.
Joining the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in King Lear and Richard II will be Arthur Hughes and Amber James who will perform the Shakespeares in repertory. Directed by OT’s Artistic Director, Tom Littler, the productions will open on 3 March, with previews from 15 February, and runs until 10 April 2027.
Meanwhile, Noël Coward’s The Vortex will be led by Olivia Williams, marking her Orange Tree theatre debut. The production, directed by Jonathan Munby, will open on Friday 23 April, with previews from 17 April, and runs until 29 May 2027.
The 2025 winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Georgina Duncan’s play Sapling will have its world premiere directed by Claire O’Reilly. This is a co-production with Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough, and the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, opening on 9 June, with previews from 5 June, and runs until 3 July 2027 before transferring to Sheffield.
The world premiere of acclaimed playwright Penelope Skinner’s Infamous Anne will see Claire Skinner make her OT debut in the titular role of Anne. This new comedy will be directed by Charlotte Gwinner. The production opens on 16 July, with previews from 10 July, and runs until 7 August 2027.
Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre, Tom Littler, said today: “The Orange Tree is a home for great writing illuminated by great acting. And what a feast of writing this is: Georgina Duncan’s new play, Sapling, winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Playwriting; Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan adapting Elizabeth Gaskell; the world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s new comedy; Noël Coward’s scorching breakout; and of course, two masterpieces from William Shakespeare.
There’s no better theatre to watch a world-class performance up close. I just can’t wait to see Tamsin Greig in Cranford, Claire Skinner in Infamous Anne, and Olivia Williams in The Vortex. And I’m looking forward to building a true rep company around the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in Richard II and King Lear, with Arthur Hughes and Amber James already on board.”
To find out more visit: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/