Tom Littler moves to Cambridge Arts Theatre from the Orange Tree

Tom Littler has been appointed as the new chief executive and artistic director of the Arts Theatre Cambridge, taking up the role in June 2027.

Littler joins from the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, where he has been artistic director and joint chief executive since 2022. He succeeds the current interim leadership team of Victoria Beechey and Rachel Tackley. Beechey will remain as executive director, while Tackley will step down when Littler arrives. The Orange Tree will begin recruiting for his successor, with executive director Julie Weston remaining in post.

Founded in 1936 by economist John Maynard Keynes, the Arts Theatre celebrates its 90th anniversary and continues plans for its next phase of development. Following the refurbishment of its main auditorium, the theatre is progressing plans to create a new 200-seat rooftop Studio Theatre.

Littler said: “I am excited to lead the Arts Theatre Cambridge into its tenth decade. The recent refurbishment of its beautiful main house, and the plans for a new 200-seat studio, make this a pivotal moment. I have loved the Arts for many years, have directed there many times, and seeing shows there most weeks was one of the joys of my years as a Cambridge resident.

“The Arts is a much-loved and storied theatre close to the hearts of audiences and theatre people alike, and it is also an institution of unique potential. I am delighted that Victoria Beechey will remain as executive director and look forward to working together to steer the Arts into new waters as a presenting and producing theatre of international renown.

“I have loved my time running the Orange Tree Theatre since 2022, and I thank all the trustees, staff, supporters, artists and audiences who make every day there such a pleasure. I’ll relish my three productions there in 2027: King Lear and Richard II will be my final productions as artistic director, and I’ll be back at Christmas helming a co-production of a soon to be announced comedy. These have been five hugely rewarding years. Whoever takes over from me will enjoy one of the best jobs of London theatre.”

Nigel Hugill, chair of the Arts Theatre Cambridge, said: “John Maynard Keynes founded the Arts Theatre in Cambridge on the premise that we must ‘honour those who can teach us to pluck the hour and the day virtuously and well’.

“In Tom Littler, we have found exactly that calibre of visionary leader able to advocate and demonstrate the value of humanities in a tech-driven environment. His exceptional track record is one of creative innovation, deep communal engagement and performing house vitality. Added to which is an innate understanding of our unique relationship with the University and the wider region. Cambridge needs the Arts. Both will be the stronger for Tom Littler’s return to the city that has been his home and nurtured his intellectual and creative outlook.

“Rachel Tackley and Victoria Beechey have together provided exceptional interim leadership in stewarding a remarkable two years of transformation and renewal at the Arts. Rachel will step away next summer with our love and unending gratitude. I speak for the entire board in saying that we simply cannot thank them both enough.”

Judy Gibbons, chair of the Orange Tree Theatre, added: “Tom has been an outstanding leader for the Orange Tree. He has brought an exceptional scale of ambition to everything we do, and the theatre has thrived both artistically and financially as a result. His productions have won awards and critical acclaim, and during his tenure our box office returns and membership numbers have both tripled.

“He has taken our work beyond our own walls, reaching new venues and new audiences. He has also played a central role in our successful capital project, securing the future of the building for generations of audiences and artists. We will miss him enormously and, on behalf of the board and everyone at the Orange Tree, we thank him and wish him every success in this exciting next step in his career. His successor will inherit a thriving organisation, firmly established as the national theatre of South West London.”