The Orange Tree Theatre is set to premiere Howard Brenton’s gripping new historical drama “Churchill in Moscow” from February 3 to March 8, 2025. This thought-provoking play imagines the top-secret meetings between Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin at the Kremlin in 1942, exploring the tension between two unpredictable titans as history hangs in the balance.
You’re appearing in “Churchill in Moscow” at the Orange Tree Theatre. What can you tell us about the show?
Churchill in Moscow gives the audience the opportunity to experience the first meeting between Churchill and Stalin that took place in August of 1942. The play navigates the struggle of translation and mutual mistrust between the two leaders as they try to discuss the alliance against Germany.
This is your professional theatre debut. How does it feel to be part of such an exciting production?
Yes, it’s very exciting. It’s a really wonderful opportunity and a tremendous play to debut in. Howard’s writing is magnificent and lots of fun to work with in the rehearsal room. I’m really proud to be part of this cast and excited to bring Svetlana’s story to the Orange Tree stage, especially as she went on to live such an extraordinary life.
Can you tell us about your character, Svetlana Stalin, and how you’ve approached playing her?
Svetlana Stalin is sixteen years old and dreaming of her own life to begin, which seems almost impossible living under the watchful eyes of the Kremlin. She finds the comfort of friendship in her books and is experienced in getting her own way, famously growing up ordering her father and his delegations around.
Svetlana’s memoirs gave me an insight into her perspective of the historic meeting between Stalin and Churchill in 1942, her teenage thoughts and opinions on her father, as well as coming to understand the name she bears and the power it holds.
What has it been like working with such an experienced cast and creative team?
It’s been incredible to work with the cast and creative team on Churchill in Moscow. I’m learning so much every day from them all and I am constantly in awe of the experience – I think my first day I hardly said a word! I was just letting it all sink in and felt very lucky to be sitting in that rehearsal room.
How does this historical drama resonate with contemporary audiences?
Churchill famously said that ‘those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it’, the evidence of which can currently be seen in many cases across the world. There’s always been a curiosity towards the moments in history that weren’t broadcast or spoken about. Despite this meeting between Churchill and Stalin being a secret, it was a major development towards ending the war. A contemporary audience can learn just as much from history as they can from the modern world.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see “Churchill in Moscow”?
Definitely book those tickets! The Orange Tree is amazing at facilitating performances such as the Under 30s Nights with Q+As with the cast, which is a lovely evening to meet other theatre lovers and supporters. Churchill in Moscow has gripping moments of tension, as well as unsuspecting points of fun, which makes it impossible to know which way the secret, meticulously organised talks will go.
