Double Your Donation this Winter
Thanks to the generosity of two wonderful supporters, every donation made during December and January will be matched pound for pound, up to a total of £30,000.
That means your gift towards our capital project goes twice as far to help us transform the Orange Tree Theatre – making it truly open to everyone.
Our Exciting Capital Development Project
Since starting in a room above the pub in 1971, and moving into our much-loved theatre-in-the-round in 1991, the Orange Tree has grown with the support of you – our audiences, artists, and our community.
Together we’ve created a theatre that is intimate, bold, and welcoming.
Now, we need your help to take the next step.
2026 will see us transform our building to be more accessible, sustainable, and truly a ‘Theatre for Everyone’.
Fundraising Update
How You Can Support Today
Make a Donation
Your donation today will help transform the OT into a truly accessible and welcoming theatre for generations to come.
Every pound counts – whether you give £1 or £1,000, you’ll be joining hundreds of others making this change possible.
Give today and be part of the story.
Your Name on Our Tree
Add your name – or honour someone special – with a leaf on our new Orange Tree installation.
Your name will live at the heart of the OT for at least 10 years, seen by thousands of visitors , side by side with others who care deeply about the OT.
A lasting legacy of your love for the theatre.
Champion Challenge
Be a Champion for the OT!
Host a quiz night, run a race, or bake a cake – whatever inspires you – and use our new donanations app to ask your friends and family to help transform the Orange Tree for future generations.
Every Champion makes a big difference.
About the Project
Our iconic auditorium will remain unchanged – preserving the warmth and intimacy that has defined the OT. However, in our audience consultation in 2022, you raised issues around accessibility, cramped space, and lack of toilet facilities in our historic building.
This development transforms our theatre to enhance accessibility, comfort, and sustainability, to ensure that everyone can feel truly at home here.
We have commissioned Allies and Morrison as the architect for the project, which will put accessibility at the heart of the building, improving the experience both front of house and backstage. We plan to continue to welcome audiences throughout the construction, with entry temporarily through the scene dock, just as we did during the pandemic.
Impact
Transforming access
No steps at the entrance, new lift & wheelchair access, for the first time everyone can enter through the same front door.
Creating a welcoming space
Improving facilities with additional restrooms, more space for audiences, community participants & events.
Investing in our local community
Protecting the cultural heritage of Richmond and positively impacting our local economy.
Embedding sustainability
Reducing our carbon footprint in our front-of-house and backstage spaces.
Latest Updates
FAQs
Why is the development happening?
Over the years, we’ve received valuable feedback from our audiences about how we can improve the accessibility and functionality of the Orange Tree Theatre’s front of house, especially concerns about the number of stairs.
By redesigning our front building, we aim to create a more accessible entrance & foyer while preserving the warm, inclusive atmosphere that defines the OT for future generations.
Will the theatre remain open throughout?
Mostly! Performances, OT Extras, and fundraising events will continue throughout the development. During this time, we’ll use the scene dock entrance – just as we did during the pandemic – to ensure your visit remains as smooth and enjoyable as ever. We will move some matinees to 4pm and will have some off-site performances, We will close for a short period for works to the entrance of the auditorium.
How will I enter the theatre during construction?
Entry will be through our scene dock door adjacent to the current staircase, as was done during our pandemic reopening.
When will the theatre 're-open'?
We anticipate completing construction early 2027. We will keep our audiences informed with regular updates as the project progresses.
Will there be more toilets?
Yes. We’re adding one more female toilet, one additional accessible toilet, and one additional gender-neutral toilet to better serve our audiences.
Will the auditorium change? Will seating capacity stay the same?
No changes will be made to the auditorium beyond the entrance and additional space for wheelchair users. It will retain its current capacity and preserve the OT’s signature intimate, in-the-round experience.
Contact
Have a question, comment, or enquiry? We’d love to hear from you! Please fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.