Orange Tree Theatre has unveiled its initial plans for 2026, promising a year of transformation and expansion beyond its Richmond home.
Artistic Director Tom Littler and Executive Director Julie Weston announced that the theatre will stage productions in two unique locations: Thomas’s College gardens for OT on the Hill and St John the Divine church for OT in the Church. These will run alongside the main season during a year of major redevelopment to create a more open and accessible front-of-house space.
In summer, Littler will direct Shakespeare’s beloved comedies Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing in repertory in the gardens of Thomas’s College. This outdoor venture will be presented as a co-production with Guildford Shakespeare Company.
Autumn brings OT in the Church, with David Suchet returning to the stage in T.S. Eliot’s classic Murder in the Cathedral. Directed by Littler, the production will run at St John the Divine before transferring to Theatre Royal Bath.
Looking ahead to Spring 2027, Littler will direct Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in King Lear and Richard II, performed in repertory at the Orange Tree Theatre.
Tom Littler said:
“2026 will be a transformational year for the Orange Tree, as we redevelop our front of house and backstage spaces. Without Arts Council funding, we’ve already raised over 80% of our £4.5million target, and we can’t wait to create a theatre that’s open and accessible to everyone – a space where creativity, connection, and community can thrive.
The Orange Tree will remain open for almost the whole year, and in 2026 we’ll produce more shows than ever before. In spring, we’ll announce details of two major new plays, a dazzling comedy, and our biggest ever community project. Today, we unveil some projects that take our work out into our beautiful neighbourhood, from the splendour of St John the Divine church to the idyllic gardens of Thomas’s College.”
Alongside its artistic output, the OT continues its community work, including Primary Shakespeare with The Comedy of Errors for primary schools and Shakespeare Up Close with Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet for secondary students.
The theatre’s £15 tickets for Under 30s will continue throughout 2026, including OT Under 30 Nights with exclusive post-show Q&As and a free drink.
Further main house programming for 2026 will be announced next year.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
