We are thrilled to announce the cast for Somerset Maugham’s The Circle.
Tom Littler, in his inaugural production as the OT’s Artistic Director, directs Jane Asher (Lady Catherine Champion-Cheney), Pete Ashmore (Arnold Champion-Cheney), Clive Francis (Clive Champion-Cheney), Nicholas Le Prevost (Lord Hughie Porteous), Chirag Benedict Lobo (Teddie Luton) and Olivia Vinall (Elizabeth Champion-Cheney).
Jane Asher (Alfie, Deep End) plays Lady Kitty, a society beauty who notoriously abandoned her stuffy husband Clive, played by Clive Francis (A Clockwork Orange; The Crown), and eloped with the handsome Lord Porteous, played by Nicholas Le Prevost (Shakespeare in Love; Testament of Youth). Thirty years later, love’s young dream has descended into non-stop squabbling… Meanwhile, Clive and Lady Kitty’s son Arnold (Pete Ashmore, The Lovely Bones; Brief Encounter) faces the same marital fate, as his wife Elizabeth, played by Olivia Vinall (The Woman in White, Apple Tree Yard) threatens to elope with the dashing Teddie Luton (Chirag Benedict Lobo, Life of Pi, The Winter's Tale). Will history come full circle? Or can one generation learn from their parents’ disastrous mistakes?
Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy of manners was first staged in 1921 and has remained a firm favourite with audiences ever since.
“I feel very lucky to announce this remarkable cast for Maugham’s perfectly constructed comedy. It’s a pleasure to welcome Clive Francis and Nicholas Le Prevost back to the Orange Tree, where they have already entertained audiences so brilliantly. The wonderful Jane Asher, Pete Ashmore, Chirag Benedict Lobo and Olivia Vinall are all making their Orange Tree debuts, and together we can learn how to navigate The Circle in our very own circular theatre.” – Tom Littler, OT Artistic Director
Completing the creative team are Louie Whitemore (Designer), Chris McDonnell (Lighting Designer), Max Pappenheim (Sound Designer) and Sam Woof (Assistant Director).
Included in The Times's top theatre to book in 2023
With performances from 29 April to 17 June, The Circle will also be available to watch on demand via OT On Screen from 20 to 23 June.
