Rehearsal images have been released for Sir Trevor Nunn’s new production of Easy Virtue, opening at the Arts Theatre Cambridge from 19 February to 7 March 2026.
The production marks the venue’s first in-house show since reopening after Phase One of its redevelopment, with Nunn returning to the theatre where his directing career began over sixty years ago.
Alice Orr-Ewing will star as Larita alongside Michael Praed as Colonel Whittaker and Greta Scacchi as Mrs Whittaker. The cast also includes Lisa Ambalavanar, Zena Carswell, Imogen Elliott, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Hugh Osborne, Joseph Potter, Harmage Singh Kalirai, Jordan Kilshaw, Fiona Tong, Kishore Walker and Jamie Wilkes.
Written in 1924, Easy Virtue follows the shocked Whittaker family as their son John brings home his new wife Larita, an American divorcée whose modern lifestyle challenges their expectations and exposes long-held secrets.
Sir Trevor Nunn said: “For me, this venture is a very special return journey. I first directed a show at The Arts Theatre when I was a student – a production of The Taming of the Shrew. But then, since traditionally the productions of The Marlowe Society and Footlights were presented at The Arts, I directed both Shakespeare’s notoriously unlucky Scottish play there and the Footlights Review (with my student cast including John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Miriam Margolyes). A wonderful time was had by all!
“More recently, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of The Marlowe Society, I returned to The Arts to direct students in Cymbeline (and found, at auditions to play Posthumus, a student actor called James Norton).
“Now, thanks to the astonishing philanthropy of Susie Sainsbury, the entirely, beautifully refurbished Arts Theatre is to present my new production of Noel Coward’s futuristic (banned in London in 1925!) serious comedy Easy Virtue. For me, opening at the Arts will be a homecoming.”
Co-Chief Executives Rachel Tackley and Victoria Beechey said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Sir Trevor Nunn back to The Arts Theatre in Cambridge, which sparked his love for the theatre and kickstarted his monumental career. The recent redevelopment of our auditorium has allowed us to reimagine how we connect with our audiences, artists, and community, and we look forward to the beginning of our renewed ambition to produce more home-grown work for the people of Cambridgeshire.”
Nunn’s extensive career includes acclaimed productions such as Cats, Les Misérables, Oklahoma! and Starlight Express, alongside tenures leading both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
The production is directed by Trevor Nunn with Associate Director Leah Harris and produced by Daniel Schumann and Rachel Tackley. The creative team includes Simon Higlett (set and costume design), Johanna Town (lighting design), Anna Wood (sound design) and Ginny Schiller (casting).
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
