The Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond has been awarded Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards, celebrating its artistic achievements and community impact.
Richmond: The Orange Tree Theatre just snagged the Theatre of the Year award at The Stage Awards. How cool is that? This little gem started in a pub back in the 1970s, where director Sam Walters and his pals would entertain folks during lunch. They moved to a former primary school in 1991, and the rest is history.
Over the years, they’ve teamed up with big names like the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. They’ve even premiered works from talented playwrights like David Edgar and Joe White. It’s amazing how much they’ve accomplished!
With only 180 seats, this theatre is a cozy spot that relies on donations to keep the shows coming and to nurture new talent. The Stage Awards, held at the Royal Opera House in London, recognized the best in the UK theatre scene, and the Orange Tree Theatre shared the Theatre of the Year title with Nottingham Playhouse this time around.
Judges praised both theatres for their strong artistic leadership and a great mix of classic revivals and fresh new plays. Last year, the Orange Tree Theatre showcased hits like Twelfth Night and Here in America, along with exciting new productions like Biography of a Constellation and Pink.
They’re not just about the shows, either. The theatre runs various activities and workshops to support the local community, including projects like Primary Shakespeare and Shakespeare Up Close. These efforts played a big part in their award win.
Alistair Smith, the editor of The Stage, expressed excitement about the winners, highlighting the awards’ inclusivity and the remarkable contributions of theatres across the UK. It’s a fantastic time for the theatre community!
