Orange Tree Theatre has announced its full 2026/27 season, featuring major productions starring Tamsin Greig, Olivia Williams and Claire Skinner, alongside Shakespeare, new writing and a brand-new live music programme.
The season opens this Christmas with Cranford, adapted by Lin Coghlan and Shaun McKenna from Elizabeth Gaskell’s beloved novel. Co-created and directed by Josh Roche, the production will star multi-award-winning actor Tamsin Greig and runs from 3 November 2026 to 16 January 2027.
The theatre’s ambitious repertory staging of King Lear and Richard II will see Arthur Hughes and Amber James join the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox. Directed by Orange Tree Theatre Artistic Director Tom Littler, the Shakespeare productions run from 15 February to 10 April 2027.
Noël Coward’s The Vortex follows, led by Olivia Williams in her Orange Tree Theatre debut and directed by Jonathan Munby. The production runs from 17 April to 29 May 2027.
The season will also include the world premiere of Sapling by Georgina Duncan, winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Playwriting. Directed by Claire O’Reilly, the co-production with Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough and the Women’s Prize for Playwriting runs from 5 June to 3 July 2027 before transferring to Sheffield.
Completing the theatrical programme is Infamous Anne, a new comedy by acclaimed playwright Penelope Skinner. Directed by Charlotte Gwinner, the world premiere will star Claire Skinner in the title role and runs from 10 July to 7 August 2027.
Alongside its theatre programme, Orange Tree Theatre has announced a new collaboration with St Mary Magdalene church, launching OT Music. Curated by Seb Gillot, the series will bring internationally acclaimed musicians to Richmond for solo and chamber recitals.
Highlights include pianist Harry Baker, OT favourite Jane Asher in Constanze, tenor Mark Padmore performing Winterreise, soprano Dame Emma Kirkby, the London Conchord Ensemble and pianist David Owen Norris. The venue’s Sunday Morning Coffee Concerts, presented by Dorothea Vogel, will also return.
Announcing the season, Artistic Director Tom Littler said: “The Orange Tree is a home for great writing illuminated by great acting. And what a feast of writing this is: Georgina Duncan’s new play, Sapling, winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Playwriting; Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan adapting Elizabeth Gaskell; the world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s new comedy; Noël Coward’s scorching breakout; and of course, two masterpieces from William Shakespeare.
“There’s no better theatre to watch a world-class performance up close. I just can’t wait to see Tamsin Greig in Cranford, Claire Skinner in Infamous Anne, and Olivia Williams in The Vortex. And I’m looking forward to building a true rep company around the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in Richard II and King Lear, with Arthur Hughes and Amber James already on board.
“As the OT moves into the final phase of our front of house redevelopment project – our bar and foyer will reopen early next spring – we are striving to offer our audiences more than ever. We’re delighted to be starting a new chamber music programme packed with wonderful musicians.”
The theatre also confirmed the return of its community and education initiatives, including Primary Shakespeare and Shakespeare Up Close, as well as OT Teatime Plays, Saturday Seminars and its free Artists’ Network.
Orange Tree Theatre will continue its accessibility initiatives through OT On Screen, OT Under 30 Nights, subsidised access tickets and its £1 ticket scheme for those receiving government support.
Priority booking opens for members from 3 September, with general booking opening on 16 September.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
