Orange Tree Theatre (OT) Artistic Director Tom Littler and Executive Director Julie Weston today announce initial programming for 2026, which will take the work of the Orange Tree to Thomas’s College gardens for OT on the Hill and St John the Divine church for OT in the Church. This work will run alongside the theatre’s main season in 2026; a year which will see the building embark on an ambitious capital project, transforming the front of house to create a truly open and accessible space.
In summer, Tom Littler will direct two of Shakespeare’s beloved comedies Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing in the gardens of Thomas’s College for OT on the Hill. This will be presented in repertory as a co-production with Guildford Shakespeare Company.
OT in the Church follows in autumn. David Suchet returns to the stage for a new production of T.S. Eliot’s classic Murder in the Cathedral, presented in Richmond’s St John the Divine church, directed by Tom Littler. Following its run in Richmond, Murder in the Cathedral will transfer to Theatre Royal Bath.
Also announced today for Spring 2027, Littler directs Roger Allam and Freddie Fox, co-starring in King Lear and Richard II, to be performed in repertory at the Orange Tree Theatre.
OT Artistic Director Tom Littler said today, “2026 will be a transformational year for the Orange Tree, as we redevelop our front of house and backstage spaces. Without Arts Council funding, we’ve already raised over 80% of our £4.5million target, and we can’t wait to create a theatre that’s open and accessible to everyone – a space where creativity, connection, and community can thrive.
The Orange Tree will remain open for almost the whole year, and in 2026 we’ll produce more shows than ever before. In spring, we’ll announce details of two major new plays, a dazzling comedy, and our biggest ever community project. Today, we unveil some projects that take our work out into our beautiful neighbourhood, from the splendour of St John the Divine church to the idyllic gardens of Thomas’s College.”
Alongside its artistic output, the OT continues its breadth of community work, with a commitment to create a creative home for everyone. Primary Shakespeare returns with The Comedy of Errors presented to Primary School audiences as an introduction to the bard. Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet are to be presented to secondary school children for Shakespeare Up Close.
£15 tickets for Under 30s continue throughout 2026, including on OT Under 30 Nights, where tickets include an exclusive post-show–Q&A and free drink within the ticket price.
Further main house programming for 2026 will be announced next year.
Priority booking opens from 1pm today.
General on sale for OT On the Hill and OT in the Church programming opens Wednesday 26 November at 12pm.
