The Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond stages Cranford with Tamsin Greig

Richmond's Orange Tree Theatre has always been a place to see great actors up close, and its new season brings some of the country's finest to its intimate stage.

The season opens with Cranford, Elizabeth Gaskell's story adapted by Lin Coghlan and Shaun McKenna, co created and directed by Josh Roche. Tamsin Greig stars, with previews from 3 November, opening on 13 November and running until 16 January 2027.

In spring 2027, artistic director Tom Littler directs Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in King Lear and Richard II in repertory, joined by Arthur Hughes and Amber James. Olivia Williams then makes her Orange Tree debut in Noël Coward's The Vortex, directed by Jonathan Munby.

New writing is central too. Sapling, a world premiere by Georgina Duncan, winner of the 2025 Women's Prize for Playwriting, is a co production with Sheffield Theatres and Paines Plough. In summer 2027, Claire Skinner takes the title role in Infamous Anne, a new comedy by Penelope Skinner.

"The Orange Tree is a home for great writing illuminated by great acting," said Littler. "There's no better theatre to watch a world-class performance up close."

All this comes in what Littler called "a transformational year for the Orange Tree, as we redevelop our front of house and backstage spaces". The theatre has raised most of its £4.5 million target without Arts Council funding, with the aim of a more open and accessible building, and it has stayed open for almost the whole year. "In 2026 we'll produce more shows than ever before," Littler promised, with productions spilling out into the town, including outdoor Shakespeare in the gardens of Thomas's College and David Suchet in Murder in the Cathedral at the church of St John the Divine.

The theatre is also launching OT Music, a chamber series with St Mary Magdalene church, featuring artists including Jane Asher, Mark Padmore and Dame Emma Kirkby. Its £15 tickets for under 30s continue, along with schools Shakespeare for primary and secondary pupils.

The Orange Tree Theatre is on Clarence Street, opposite Richmond station. For tickets and the full season, visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk.