The Theatre has had a presence in Richmond, from 1971 above the Pub, and from 1991 on its present site in Clarence Street. SW14 is an important area for its target audience. The website says: ‘Community projects are at the heart of the Orange Tree, offering something for all ages from 0 to 100. From our schools Shakespeare productions to weekly theatre sessions [at the OT] …… our work builds skills, confidence and joy in performance’..

It is hard to beat the theatre’s own description of itself. ‘We are a local theatre with a global reputation.’ ‘We are an intimate theatre with the audience wrapped around the stage.’ ‘We believe in putting people at the centre of the stories we tell.’ ‘We punch above our weight to create world-class productions of new and contemporary drama, revitalise classics and re-discoveries, and introduce children and young people to the magic of theatre.’

In 2024 there has been an excellent series of productions, all well reviewed by the broadsheets, which have illustrated these themes: She Stoops to Conquer; Test Match; Northanger Abbey; and Uncle Vanya. Currently running until 6 July 2024, is Suite in Three Keys, a trilogy of the last plays of Noel Coward. The theatre’s reputation enables it to cast high calibre actors and attract the best new young actors.

Starting on 13 July is Red Speedo written by Lucas Hnath, a highly regarded new American playwright, directed by Matthew Dunster, a renowned theatre and film director, and starring Finn Cole of Peaky Blinders fame. Ray lives to swim and is close to international glory and a life-changing sponsorship deal. The discovery of performance-enhancing drugs in the club’s refrigerator changes everything.

Looking ahead you can book a Christmas treat to see Jane Asher and Oliver Ford Davies in Twelfth Night from 23 November 2024 to 25 January 2025.

In February 2023 OTT was granted planning permission by Richmond Council to enable it to expand and create a new design. This will provide a welcome face on to Clarence Street, increased foyer space and much improved accessibility. Construction work at a planned budget of £4 million should start in 2026 with opening of the new space for Christmas 2026. The theatre will continue to present productions in the meanwhile.

OTT is highly dependent on its box office which increased by 65% and its fundraising income which increased by 69% in 2023. But for such a development continuing improvement on both fronts is essential. More Patrons and Members needed!

For further details contact Hanna Streeter, Executive Director and Joint CEO at hanna.streeter@orangetreetheatre.co.uk . Well known to Sheen residents as she was at East Sheen Primary School.

16 June 2024