Richmond's acclaimed Orange Tree Theatre (OT) has lifted the curtain on its ambitious 2025/2026 season, promising a compelling mix of world premieres, major revivals, and timeless classics. Artistic Director Tom Littler, alongside outgoing Executive Director Hanna Streeter and incoming Executive Director Julie Weston, announced six diverse productions, reaffirming the theatre’s commitment to exceptional acting and powerful storytelling.
The autumn season kicks off with a theatrical heavyweight: a reunion of Charles Dance, Nicholas Farrell, and Geraldine James in Howard Brenton’s adaptation of Strindberg's Creditors, directed by Tom Littler. This marks Littler and Brenton’s seventh collaboration, following their critically acclaimed Churchill in Moscow.
Next, the world premiere of Tanika Gupta’s Hedda, inspired by Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, will take the stage. Directed by Hettie Macdonald, this major new work stars Pearl Chanda and is set in 1948 London, reimagining the classic drama with a fresh perspective. The year concludes with Littler directing the 250th Anniversary production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's uproarious comedy, The Rivals, alongside the OT Young Company's Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba.
2026 begins with Richard Eyre's new adaptation and direction of Strindberg's Dance of Death, featuring Lisa Dillon and Will Keen. This is followed by the first major revival of Nicholas Wright’s Olivier Award-winning Vincent in Brixton, starring Niamh Cusack in her return to the OT. Directed by Carne Associate Director Georgia Green, this play delves into young Van Gogh's transformative period in South London.
Beyond the mainstage, the OT continues its impactful community work, including the OT Schools Programme with interactive Shakespeare workshops and OT Under 30 Nights, offering £15 tickets with a free drink and post-show talks.
Tom Littler expressed his excitement for a season that brings "exemplary acting and texts" to the intimate OT space, promising rich conversations between classic and contemporary works. Public booking opens on Wednesday, June 25th at midday.
