Orange Tree

The original Orange Tree was established in 1971 by a group of actors in an upstairs room of the Orange Tree pub. In 1988 an appeal was launched for a new, larger theatre.

The new theatre was converted from the charming Victorian school brick buildings alongside the pub, particularly the school hall, and the schoolmaster's house. The interior was reconstructed to form an intimate theatre-in-the-round, with a balcony on all four sides. Entrances and exits are made at the four corners of the stage. A bar was provided by Youngs, who owned the Orange Tree pub, and there is also an upstairs wine bar.

The building was opened by Princess Alexandra in February 1991. In its new home, the company continues a tradition established by 25 years of production work by Sam Walter and his wife Auriol Smith.