The Orange Tree Theatre (OT) and the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) have partnered to host the Greenhouse Festival at the OT in Richmond between September 2 to 7. 

The festival, now in its second year, celebrates the talents of emerging directors and artists with a lineup of seven productions directed by graduating LAMDA students.  

"It's so unbelievably exciting! The space is just incredible, and I really don't think there is another theatre quite like it," said Ilona Sell, a graduating student and the director of an adaptation from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Philippa Strandberg-Long, LAMDA's Director of Drama School and Actor Training said: "This project represents the core of our shared commitment to nurturing new talent in the theatre industry, through which emerging directors gain hands-on experience, working closely with seasoned professionals." 

Natasha Rickman, Carne Associate Director, who will lead one of the workshops, said: "At the centre of this celebration of emerging talent are the final productions from the LAMDA MA Directing cohort, bringing us new lenses on Shakespeare, fresh productions of modern classics and newly devised work.  

"These productions platform the work of brilliant directors, performers, technicians and creative teams in the magical setting of the OT auditorium." 

"Theatre directing often feels like spinning about ten different places at once whilst making sure things are given the full attention they need. I put everything in to-do lists which helps me deal with stress," said Sell. 

List of productions to look forward to in September (credit: Moiz Saifuddin).

Tom Littler, Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre, highlighted the importance of the festival, saying, "We're delighted to continue our collaboration with LAMDA through the second Greenhouse Festival. It's an exciting array of contrasting work, and we look forward to introducing audiences to a new generation of artists." 

In addition to the performances, a series of workshops will be held from September 2 to 6, providing aspiring theatre professionals with insights into playwriting, producing, and directing.  

The workshops will include Zoom sessions on the following:

• 'Tips on how to start writing your first play' and 'Starting to write character' with OT Literary Associate, William Gregory
• 'Introduction to producing work' with OT Executive Director, OT General Manager, Producer respectively, Hanna Streeter and Sarah Murray
• 'Introduction to directing your first play' with Natasha Rickman. 

Tickets for the performances are priced at £15 each, with a group ticket option available for £50 for all seven shows. Workshops are priced at £5 per session, with limited £1 tickets available for recipients of Universal Credit or the London Ticket Bank Scheme. 

For more information about schedules and booking, please visit the Orange Tree Theatre website.