The Orange Tree Theatre today announces the full cast for Somerset Maugham’s The Circle, directed by Tom Littler in his Orange Tree debut as Artistic Director since taking up the role in January this year.
Littler directs Jane Asher (Lady Catherine Champion-Cheney), Pete Ashmore (Arnold Champion-Cheney), Robert Benfield (Murray the Butler), Chirag Benedict Lobo (Teddie Luton), Clive Frances (Clive Champion-Cheney), Nicholas Le Prevost (Lord Hughie Porteous) and Olivia Vinall (Elizabeth Champion-Cheney).
Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy of manners was first staged in 1921 and has remained a firm favourite with audiences ever since. The Circle will open at the Orange Tree Theatre on 5 May, with previews from 29 April, running until 17 June, and will be available to stream online at OT On Screen from 20 to 23 June.
Tom Littler said: “I feel very lucky to announce this remarkable cast for Maugham’s perfectly constructed comedy. It’s a pleasure to welcome Clive Francis and Nicholas Le Prevost back to the Orange Tree, where they have already entertained audiences so brilliantly. The wonderful Jane Asher, Pete Ashmore, Chirag Benedict Lobo and Olivia Vinall are all making their Orange Tree debuts, and together we can learn how to navigate The Circle in our very own circular theatre.”
The sun is shining on the manicured lawns of the Dorset home of Arnold Champion-Cheney, MP. The Great War is over. Arnold’s political career is blossoming. He has a beautiful young wife, Elizabeth. If only the servants would dust his antiques properly, everything would be perfect.
But Arnold’s idyllic life is about to explode into chaos. His rakish father is staying for the weekend. His scandalous long-lost mother is descending with her detested husband in tow. And there’s a dashing young stranger who seems far too interested in Elizabeth…
Will history come full circle? Or can one generation learn from their parents’ disastrous mistakes?
The Circle is at The Orange Tree Theatre 29 April – 17 June 2023
