The Orange Tree Theatre (OT) has unveiled the full programming for its 2026/2027 season, featuring classic adaptations, Shakespearean revivals, and world premieres starring Tamsin Greig, Olivia Williams, and Claire Skinner.
Opening the season this Christmas, multi-award-winning actress Tamsin Greig will star as Matty Jenkyns in Cranford, adapted by Lin Coghlan and Shaun McKenna from Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian novel. Co-created and directed by Josh Roche, the production runs from 3 November 2026 to 16 January 2027, with an official opening night on 13 November.
In spring 2027, OT’s Artistic Director Tom Littler directs Shakespeare’s King Lear and Richard II in repertory from 15 February to 10 April. Joining the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox are Arthur Hughes and Amber James. Allam will play King Lear and the Duke of York, while Fox takes on Edmund and King Richard.
Olivia Williams will make her OT debut as Florence Lancaster in Noël Coward’s 1924 drama The Vortex, directed by Jonathan Munby. The production runs from 17 April to 29 May 2027. Following this, the world premiere of Sapling by Georgina Duncan, winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Playwriting, plays from 5 June to 3 July, directed by Claire O’Reilly in a co-production with Sheffield Theatres and Paines Plough.
The mainstage season concludes with the world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s comedy Infamous Anne, running from 10 July to 7 August 2027. Directed by Charlotte Gwinner, the show stars Claire Skinner in her OT debut.
Additionally, the venue announced OT Music, a new live music programme curated by Seb Gillot in collaboration with St Mary Magdalene church, alongside community outreach initiatives including Primary Shakespeare and Shakespeare Up Close.
Commenting on the announcement, Artistic Director Tom Littler praised the lineup of writers and performers, noting that the season highlights the intimate venue's capacity for close-up storytelling as its front-of-house redevelopment project nears completion. General ticket sales open on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
