Fri 17 - Sun 19 July 2026
A co-production between Hemingway Design and Orange Tree Theatre
Supported by Be Richmond and Richmond Council, using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Civic Pride Fund
Over one extraordinary weekend, Richmond will teem with myths and monsters, fates and feasts, mighty heroes and ancient magic. In the streets, the shops, historic buildings, green spaces… maybe even on the river itself, the town will fizz with performances in unexpected places, each reimagining legendary tales for today.
What’s more, all the Richmond Myths performances will be totally free to attend!
Friday 17 July
Richmond Riverside • 6.30pm
Opening Ceremony
inspired by THE AETOS DIOS
written by KWAME OWUSU directed by GEORGIA GREEN
In an explosion of music, dance and spectacle, the twelve Olympian gods launch a weekend of celebration and creativity, where the ordinary is made extraordinary.
Saturday 18 July
The town centre becomes a stage, canvas and playground as George Street and Whittaker Square come alive with theatre, music, food, workshops and joyful public participation.
George Street • 12pm / 3.15pm / 4.30pm
Dance, Praise, Love
inspired by THE GODS OF OLYMPUS
written by ALEXANDRA WOOD directed by JESS HAYGARTH
The gods of Olympus have a problem: the modern world has forgotten them. Gathering in Richmond High Street, they must decide whether their greatest power lies in showing off, or inspiring those around them.
Performed by Orange Tree 18–25 Young Company
Richmond Library • 1pm
Songbird
inspired by THE MYTH OF ARION
written by BEN WEATHERILL directed by SOPHIE KENYON and AMY TICKNER
Fame proves a dangerous companion for Arion, whose rise from goatherd to musical sensation leads him into peril on the high seas – and he’ll need all his talents if he’s ever to make it home.
Performed by Orange Tree 6–11 Youth Theatre
RHACC • 2pm
Before the Fall
inspired by THE MYTH OF ICARUS
written by AZAN AHMED directed by VICKY MORAN
Ikky lives in the Block but dreams of reaching higher. When they climb towards the sky in search of something more, their disappearance leaves their sister Didi and the community searching for answers.
Performed by BridgeLink Centre Senior Youth Club
St Mary Magdalene Church • 4pm
The Long Walk Home
inspired by ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE
written by MARTHA WATSON ALLPRESS directed by MATT SHEATH and ANNA YOUNG with ELEANOR KETTLETON
Orpheus journeys to the underworld to bring Eurydice home, but one moment of doubt could change everything. Told with music, this exploration of the myth celebrates connection, trust and the courage to believe in one another.
Performed by Otakar Kraus Music Collective
Sunday 19 July
The festival continues in hidden corners of Richmond — experience our neighbourhood like never before – before a truly epic closing ceremony on Hill Rise in the evening.
RHACC • 11am
The Fire We Give
inspired by THE MYTH OF PROMETHEUS
written by CARMEN NASR directed by RRITA PULA
It’s an ordinary day: alarms ring, lessons begin and the myth of Promethius is on the curriculum. Between the routines of school and home, the story of stolen fire sparks questions about what we give, and how we look after one another.
Performed by Orange Tree 12–14 Youth Theatre
Richmond Library • 11.45am
Gonna Be Gold
inspired by KING MIDAS AND THE GOLDEN TOUCH
written by LUCY PHELPS directed by JESS HAYGARTH
With a party to organise and a kingdom to run, King Midas is sure he knows what matters most. Then a god grants his greatest wish, and everything he values is put to the test.
Performed by BridgeLink Centre Junior Youth Club
Richmond Theatre • 12.30pm
The Muses
inspired by MNEMOSYNE AND HER DAUGHTERS
written by HASSAN ABDULRAZZAK directed by JESS HAYGARTH
The Muses assemble to rescue their imprisoned mother, but the price of her freedom is the return of another infamous figure from myth. A timeless story of memory, justice and the voices that shape our understanding of the past.
Performed by Orange Tree Friday Company
The Poppy Factory • 1.30pm
She Was the Land
inspired by THE MYTH OF PERSEPHONE
written by JACK FAIREY directed by JORDANA GOLBOURN
As a threatened community fights to save its land, a grandmother shares an ancient story with her granddaughter. The myth of Persephone reminds us what can happen when people refuse to let go of what they love.
Performed by Orange Tree 15–18 Young Company
Museum of Richmond • 2.15pm
Care for the Kingdom
inspired by THE MYTH OF PENELOPE
written by SHARON KANOLIK directed by FRED WIENAND
With Odysseus seemingly lost at sea, Penelope finds herself surrounded by those eager to take his place. Her clever plan to delay the suitors becomes a story about loyalty, patience and the many ways we show care.
Performed by Richmond Young Carers
Old Town Hall • 3pm
Odyssey UA
inspired by THE ODYSSEY
written by OLEKSANDR ZHYLA directed by YEVHENIIA SHYMSHYRIAN
Battles are fought, journeys are imagined and a new home sought as five children re-create their own Odyssey. Somewhere between play and reality, an ancient story finds new meaning in a changing world.
Performed by Ukrainian Social Club
Grove Gardens Chapel • 3:45pm
Our Monster
inspired by THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR
written by CATHERINE DYSON directed by MAXINA CORNWELL
Sent to expose a series of mysterious disappearances, journalist Theseus finds himself drawn into the world of King Minos, Queen Pasiphae and their daughter Ariadne. At the centre of it all lies a labyrinth—and something waiting within it.
Performed by Richmond Shakespeare Society
Books on the Rise • 11am–5pm
Svarana of Tanga
inspired by HELEN OF TROY
written by SUDHA BHUCHAR directed by VICKY MORAN
Discover the story of Helen of Troy in a brand new light, performed as a sound installation in the heart of Richmond.
Performed by Multicultural Richmond
Hill Rise • 5pm
The weekend will conclude with one of Britain’s best-loved actors starring in the epic
Closing Ceremony
inspired by THE GARDEN OF THE HESPERIDES
written by KWAME OWUSU directed by GEORGIA GREEN
As the weekend draws to a close, join us to greet The Oracle on Hill Rise. They will reflect on the weekend, celebrate the community, and look forward to the future of Richmond.
Centre Stage is a free multi-arts festival, reclaiming the town centre as a platform for creativity, community, and contemporary culture, returning for its second year this July, co-produced by Orange Tree Theatre and Hemingway Design.
On Saturday, George Street will transform into a stage, canvas and playground for all ages. Explore creative activities for children and young people, discover independent makers and street food, and take part in carnival processions.
On Sunday, Hill Rise will become a hub of cafe culture and live music. From 2pm, it becomes the home of The Muses, who will be composing personalised poems and inviting people to contribute to the Garden Of Inspiration with their own Odes for the future of Richmond.
Throughout the weekend, keep your eyes peeled around the town for partner events, displays and pop-up performances.
