Actors Roger Allam, Niamh Cusack, Emma Fielding and Freddie Fox gathered in Richmond on Friday, 13 March to mark the start of Orange Tree Theatre's redevelopment.

The ceremony signalled the beginning of the project that will transform the theatre's front of house and backstage areas, creating a more accessible, welcoming and sustainable space for audiences, performers and creative teams.

Speaking at the event, the theatre's Artistic Director Tom Littler and Executive Director Julie Weston described the moment as a landmark in the venue's history.

"Breaking ground today is a landmark moment for the Orange Tree, but this project is about much more than construction," they said.

"It is about who gets to feel welcome here, who gets to take part, and what kind of theatre we want to be in the years ahead."

They added that the redevelopment will open the theatre up to more people while preserving what makes the venue unique.

"The intimacy stays. The ambition stays. The closeness between audience and artist stays. What changes is that more people will be able to experience it."

The project has been designed by architects Allies and Morrison and will be delivered by Rise Contracts Limited, which has previously worked on major London theatre redevelopments including the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and The Old Vic.

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Despite the building works, the Orange Tree Theatre will remain open throughout the development period, with its programme continuing as planned.

This includes the first major revival of Vincent in Brixton by Nicholas Wright, which begins previews at the theatre this week.

The theatre is currently in the final phase of its public fundraising campaign, OT: Open to Everyone, which aims to secure the remaining funds needed to complete the redevelopment.

Supporters can find more information or contribute to the campaign through the Orange Tree Theatre website here.

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