Meet our Architects

We met with architect Oli Heywood, director at Allies and Morrison, to find out more about the background to the development project – why it was necessary, and the journey to where we are today. Take a look at the video below. https://youtu.be/sxYn-iijqy0

Time-lapse of steps removal

The central aim of OT Open to Everyone is improving accessibility to the theatre. This video shows the process of the theatre’s front steps being removed at the end of June; a symbolic stage in the development project. The entrance steps will be replaced with level access allowing everyone to enter together.

Entrance steps removed as development project progresses

On Friday 19 June, the Orange Tree Theatre’s entrance steps were removed as part of the theatre’s capital development project to improve accessibility. This moment marks a huge upgrade, improving access into the building, as well as its front of house spaces. The entrance steps will be replaced with level access allowing everyone to enter … Read more

Meet our Construction Company

  As our development project gets underway, we met with Steve Murphy, Managing Director of Rise Contracts, to find out a bit more about their work and how the project is going so far, and to get a sneak peek of the team hard at work. https://youtu.be/91QH9Bvm7HY?si=4LSQawrYOMqTzTn4

The Orange Tree marks the start of major development project

Roger Allam, Niamh Cusack, Emma Fielding and Freddie Fox joined theatre staff, OT board members and other guests on Friday 13 March for a breaking ground event, marking the start of our development project which will transform the front of house and backstage areas to create a more accessible, welcoming and sustainable environment for audiences, … Read more

Public fundraising launched for OT: Open to Everyone

Th Orange Tree Theatre at night following its development

We have now launched the public fundraising campaign for our development project, OT: Open to Everyone. Having already raised £4.1 million toward the £4.5 million target, we now have £350,000 to raise and are seeking public support for the final push. This development, designed by architects Allies and Morrison, will transform the front of house … Read more

OT: The Next Chapter – Watch Online

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 … Read more

The OT announces Capital Development Project: OT Open to Everyone

Exterior- Orange Tree Theatre's front of house development plans.

The Orange Tree Theatre today announces that we will embark on a capital development project to transform both the audience and artist experience, whilst improving the overall environmental impact of our building, futureproofing the theatre for the next generation. OT has commissioned Allies and Morrison as the architect for the project, which will put accessibility … Read more