First look rehearsal images have been released for Orange Tree Theatre’s revival of Black Comedy, ahead of performances opening next month.
The production marks a major revival of Peter Shaffer’s celebrated farce and is directed by Caroline Steinbeis, running from 16 May to 11 July 2026, with a press night on 27 May.
The newly released images show the company in rehearsals for the play, which places its audience in the unique position of seeing everything when the characters are plunged into darkness.
The cast is led by Joe Bannister as Brindsley Miller, alongside Patricia Allison as Clea and Javier Marzan as Georg Bamberger, who was previously announced.
They are joined by Jason Barnett as Colonel Melkett, Chris Chilton as Schuppanzigh, Leah Haile as Carol Melkett, Julia Hills as Miss Furnival and Simon Manyonda as Harold Gorringe.
Black Comedy follows young sculptor Brindsley Miller on the night a power cut gives him the chance to disguise his sparse flat and borrowed furniture, only for chaos to unfold as friends, rivals and unexpected guests arrive.
Director Caroline Steinbeis said: “We have assembled a company that thrills me in every direction: an exhilarating blend of bold new voices, familiar Orange Tree favourites, and truly legendary comedy performers. Black Comedy is a dazzling farce, and I can’t wait to get started and shed light on these superb characters and uncover all their delicious contradictions. This cast brings precision, mischief, and heart in equal measure, and I know audiences are in for something truly special, surprising, and gloriously entertaining from start to finish.”
Orange Tree Theatre Artistic Director Tom Littler added: “Black Comedy is a peerless masterpiece of comic invention, and I’m delighted that Caroline Steinbeis has assembled such a superb company. It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Patricia Allison and Joe Bannister back to the OT after their recent triumphs in Twelfth Night and Hedda. For audiences looking for summer fun – look no further.”
The creative team includes physical comedy consultant John Nicholson, set and costume designer Simon Daw, lighting designer Elliot Griggs, sound designer Simon Slater and casting director Helena Palmer CDG.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
