Orange Tree Theatre unveils new season with Tamsin Greig, Olivia Williams and Claire Skinner

The Orange Tree Theatre has revealed its 2026/27 season, with productions starring Tamsin Greig, Olivia Williams and Claire Skinner.

The programme follows the venue’s upcoming productions of a small and quiet light, starring Priyanga Burford, and Murder in the Cathedral, starring David Suchet.

Greig will lead the company in Cranford, adapted by Lin Coghlan and Shaun McKenna from Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel. Co-created and directed by Josh Roche, the production reunites Coghlan, McKenna and Roche following their adaptation of The Forsyte Saga. Cranford will open on 13 November, with previews from 3 November, and run until 16 January 2027.

Meanwhile, Arthur Hughes and Amber James will join the previously announced Roger Allam and Freddie Fox for Shakespeare productions King Lear and Richard II, which will be performed in repertory. Directed by Orange Tree artistic director Tom Littler, the productions will open on 3 March, with previews from 15 February, and run until 10 April 2027.

Williams will make her Orange Tree Theatre debut in Noël Coward’s The Vortex, directed by Jonathan Munby. The production opens on 23 April, with previews from 17 April, and runs until 29 May 2027.

The season will also include the world premiere of Sapling by Georgina Duncan, winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Playwriting. Directed by Claire O’Reilly, the production is a co-production with Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough and the Women’s Prize for Playwriting. It will open on 9 June, with previews from 5 June, and run until 3 July 2027 before transferring to Sheffield.

Skinner will make her Orange Tree Theatre debut in the title role of Infamous Anne, a new comedy by Penelope Skinner. Directed by Charlotte Gwinner, the world premiere will open on 16 July, with previews from 10 July, and run until 7 August 2027.

Also announced is OT Music, a new collaboration with St Mary Magdalene church. Curated by Seb Gillot, the programme will present solo and chamber recitals by a range of musicians, while the venue’s Sunday Morning Coffee Concerts, presented by former Allegri Quartet violist Dorothea Vogel, will also return.

The programme includes pianist Harry Baker exploring music from Debussy to Coltrane, Jane Asher performing Constanze, written by Tim Coates and exploring the life of Mozart’s wife, Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin, Mark Padmore performing Winterreise, and appearances from Dame Emma Kirkby, the London Conchord Ensemble and David Owen Norris.

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.

“As the OT moves into the final phase of our front of house redevelopment project – our bar and foyer will reopen early next spring – we are striving to offer our audiences more than ever. We’re delighted to be starting a new chamber music programme packed with wonderful musicians.”