The Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond has announced casting for its new production of The Circle, directed by the theatre’s new Artistic Director Tom Littler.
Jane Asher leads the cast as Lady Catherine Champion-Cheney, in this new revival of Somerset Maugham’s play.
Other cast include Pete Ashmore (Arnold Champion-Cheney), Chirag Benedict Lobo (Teddie Luton), Clive Frances (Clive Champion-Cheney), Nicholas Le Prevost (Lord Hughie Porteous) and Olivia Vinall (Elizabeth Champion-Cheney).
The show’s creative team also includes Designer Louie Whitemore; Lighting Designer Chris McDonnell; Sound Designer Max Pappenheim; and Assistant Director: Sam Woof.
Somerset Maugham’s 1921 comedy starts its run at the Orange Tree on 29 April, running to 17 June 2023.
Jane Asher is a much-loved star of stage screen. Her theatre credits include A Song at Twilight, Moon Tiger (Theatre Royal Bath), An American in Paris (Dominion Theatre), Great Expectations (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Gathered Leaves (Park Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Charley’s Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Importance of Being Earnest, Farewell to the Theatre, Bedroom Farce (Rose Theatre, Kingston), Blithe Spirit (Vaudeville Theatre), To Those Born Later, The School for Scandal and House/Garden (National Theatre).
On TV, she is best known for Holby City (as series regular Lady Byrne), Eve, Stella, Dancing on the Edge, The Old Guys, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Crossroads, Jackanory, Wish Me Luck and The Mistress; and for film: Death at a Funeral, Burn Burn Burn, Drunk on Love, I Give it a Year, Deep End, The Masque of Red Death and Alfie.
Tom Littler said in a press statement: “I feel very lucky to announce this remarkable cast for Maugham’s perfectly constructed comedy. It’s a pleasure to welcome Clive Francis and Nicholas Le Prevost back to the Orange Tree, where they have already entertained audiences so brilliantly. The wonderful Jane Asher, Pete Ashmore, Chirag Benedict Lobo and Olivia Vinall are all making their Orange Tree debuts, and together we can learn how to navigate The Circle in our very own circular theatre.”
The Orange Tree announced their new season back in November. Currently playing at the venue is Duet for One, starring Tara Fitzgerald, until 18 March 2023. That’s followed by You Bury Me from 27 March to 22 April 2023.
Following The Circle is The Swell from 24 June to 29 July 2023.
The Orange Tree’s production of The Solid Life of Sugar Water recently won a Best Plays award at the Offies.
