ARMS AND THE MAN

★★★★★ “This production is not one to be missed… an unrivalled theatrical joy.” WhatsOnStage

★★★★ “Impeccably played…Shaw's women show their steel.” The Guardian

★★★★★ “Effortlessly funny, sadly relevant and gloriously thought-provoking, it's a Christmas show you won't forget.” Time and Leisure

★★★★★ “Laugh-out-loud funny…Miller has made a name for himself as our finest interpreter of Shaw’s early work.” LondonTheatre1

★★★★ “A rollicking take on Shaw's satirical classic…Absurdly romantic notions about love and war have never been funnier.” The Arts Desk

What glory is there in killing wretched fugitives?

In the midst of a bloody central European war, a chance moonlit encounter throws together an idealistic young woman and a Swiss mercenary with an unexpectedly realistic attitude to soldiering.

Raina’s youthful love for Sergius, the swashbuckling fighting hero of the Bulgarian army, is challenged when she learns more of the realities of war. Bluntschli’s coolly ironic good sense starts to seem more like the future.

When Louka, the servant of the family with a spirit and ambition all of her own, sets her sights on Sergius, the stage is set for an epic moral battle.

Shaw’s delightful romantic comedy was one of his first commercial successes and remains enduringly relevant.

Paul Miller directs in his final production as Artistic Director of the Orange Tree. It follows his lauded rediscoveries of Shaw’s other early plays Overruled, How He Lied to Her Husband, Candida, Misalliance, The Philanderer, and Widowers’ Houses.

All performances are at full capacity unless otherwise stated. We ask you to please consider wearing a mask when joining us for a performance, to protect the actors and reduce risk of cancellations, however it is not a requirement of entry. Find out more about COVID-19 Safety. 

Production photos by Ellie Kurttz

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OT On Screen

The play will also be available to watch online from home via OT On Screen. 
Available to stream on demand at a time that suits you anytime between 7.30pm GMT on 17 January 2023 and 11.59pm GMT on 20 January BOOK HERE