First look production images have been released as Orange Tree Theatre presents the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Ben and Imo, written by Mark Ravenhill and directed by Erica Whyman. The show stars Samuel Barnett and Victoria Yeates and runs from 19 April to 17 May 2025, with the press night on Friday 25 April 2025 at 7pm.
Benjamin Britten is under pressure and on a deadline. He has just nine months to write a wildly ambitious new opera to celebrate the Coronation of Elizabeth II – and he isn’t entirely sure he wants to. Then he meets Imogen Holst: daughter of Gustav, multi-talented musician, and all-round force of nature. As storms lash the Aldeburgh beaches, Ben and Imo race against the clock to compose an opera fit for a monarch – and test the very edges of their passionate friendship.
Mark Ravenhill’s funny and fascinating new play probes the emotional – and financial – cost of making art that matters. Ravenhill, one of the most exciting voices of his generation, shot to fame with Shopping and Fcking* at the Royal Court, and has written numerous plays for the RSC and National Theatre.
Samuel Barnett reprises his role as Ben, having originated the role at the RSC. His theatre credits include The History Boys (National Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre), Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre), Feeling Afraid as If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), Straight Line Crazy, Allelujah! (Bridge Theatre), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Chichester Theatre and National Theatre), Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Dealer’s Choice (Menier Chocolate Factory), An Oak Tree, The Beaux Stratagem, His Dark Materials, Women Beware Women (National Theatre), Richard III, Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe, Apollo Theatre and Belasco Theatre). For television, his credits include Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (as the titular role of Dirk Gently), Penny Dreadful, Not Safe for Work, Twenty Twelve, Beautiful People, John Adams and Strange. For film, his credits include And Mrs, Lee, The History Boys, Mrs Henderson Presents, Bright Star, Jupiter Ascending and The Lady in the Van.
Victoria Yeates reprises her role as Imo, having originated the role at the RSC. Her theatre credits include The Dogwalker (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Crucible (UK tour), Private Lives, The League of Youth (Nottingham Playhouse), Noises Off (New Wolsey Theatre) and Rookery Nook (Menier Chocolate Factory). Her television credits include Call the Midwife (as series regular Sister Winifred), A Discovery of Witches and Lip Service; and for film, credits include Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
