Orange Tree Theatre, Theatre in Richmond upon Thames, England
The Orange Tree Theatre occupies a converted Victorian school building in Richmond and features a thrust stage surrounded by 180 seats arranged in four rising tiers. The layout creates closeness between the stage and audience, which is characteristic of this theatre format.
The theatre began in 1971 as Richmond Fringe, operating above a pub. It moved to the former school building in 1991, where it became a permanent performance venue.
The venue showcases new writing and contemporary works from both emerging and established playwrights, creating a platform where experimental and traditional theatre forms coexist.
The venue sits near Richmond station, making it straightforward to reach. Performances typically run on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons, so plan your visit accordingly.
The stage sits in the centre of the room with audience members on all four sides, allowing direct engagement between performers and spectators. This layout creates an immediacy that feels quite different from traditional stage setups.
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