Richmond’s renowned Orange Tree Theatre (OT) has revealed an ambitious schedule for its 2025/2026 season, featuring a captivating blend of world premieres, notable revivals, and enduring classics. Artistic Director Tom Littler, along with outgoing Executive Director Hanna Streeter and incoming Executive Director Julie Weston, announced six diverse productions that highlight the theatre’s dedication to outstanding performances and resonant storytelling.
The autumn season will kick off with a literary powerhouse: a reunion of Charles Dance, Nicholas Farrell, and Geraldine James in Howard Brenton’s adaptation of Strindberg’s Creditors, directed by Tom Littler. This collaboration marks the seventh project between Littler and Brenton, following their highly praised work on Churchill in Moscow.
Next, audiences can look forward to the world premiere of Tanika Gupta’s Hedda, reimagining Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Directed by Hettie Macdonald and featuring Pearl Chanda, this new play is set in 1948 London, offering a fresh take on the classic story. The year will close with Littler directing the 250th Anniversary production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s hilarious comedy The Rivals alongside a performance of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba, featuring the OT Young Company.
As 2026 arrives, the season will continue with Richard Eyre’s new adaptation and direction of Strindberg’s Dance of Death, starring Lisa Dillon and Will Keen. This will be followed by the first significant revival of Nicholas Wright’s Olivier Award-winning Vincent in Brixton, featuring Niamh Cusack making her return to the OT, under the direction of Carne Associate Director Georgia Green. This play explores Vincent van Gogh’s transformative experiences in South London.
In addition to the mainstage offerings, OT is committed to impactful community engagement, including the OT Schools Programme, which hosts interactive Shakespeare workshops, and OT Under 30 Nights, providing £15 tickets that include a free drink and post-show discussions.
Tom Littler expressed his enthusiasm for a season that promises “exemplary acting and texts” in the theatre’s intimate setting, fostering meaningful dialogue between classic and contemporary works. Public booking will open on Wednesday, June 25th at noon.
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