Orange Tree Theatre announces full programming for 2026/27 season
The Orange Tree Theatre (OT) has today announced full programming for its 2026/2027 season.
This Christmas, multi-award-winning actress Tamsin Greig will lead the company in Cranford by Lin Coghlan and Shaun McKenna, based on the original novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, co-created and directed by Josh Roche. The production will reunite Coghlan, McKenna and Roche following their critically acclaimed adaptation of The Forsyte Saga (Park Theatre, RSC). Cranford will play from 3 November 2026 - 16 January 2027.
Joining the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in King Lear and Richard II will be Arthur Hughes and Amber James who will perform the Shakespeares in repertory. Directed by OT’s Artistic Director, Tom Littler, the productions will play from 15 February - 10 April 2027.
Noël Coward’s striking psychodrama The Vortex will be led by Olivia Williams and directed by Jonathan Munby. The show plays from 17 April - 29 May 2027. The 2025 winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Georgina Duncan’s play Sapling will have its world premiere at the OT, directed by Claire O’Reilly. This is a co-production with Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough, and the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, playing from 5 June - 3 July 2027 before transferring to Sheffield.
Next, the world premiere of acclaimed playwright Penelope Skinner’s Infamous Anne will see Claire Skinner in the titular role of Anne. This new comedy will be directed by Charlotte Gwinner and plays from 10 July - 7 August 2027.
Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre, Tom Littler, said: “The Orange Tree is a home for great writing illuminated by great acting. And what a feast of writing this is: Georgina Duncan's new play, Sapling, winner of the 2025 Women's Prize for Playwriting; Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan adapting Elizabeth Gaskell; the world premiere of Penelope Skinner's new comedy; Noël Coward's scorching breakout; and of course, two masterpieces from William Shakespeare.
“There's no better theatre to watch a world-class performance up close. I just can't wait to see Tamsin Greig in Cranford, Claire Skinner in Infamous Anne, and Olivia Williams in The Vortex. And I'm looking forward to building a true rep company around the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox in Richard II and King Lear, with Arthur Hughes and Amber James already on board.”
General on sale for the new season opens on 16 September, with further info here.
