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After 42 years as Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre Sam Walters will be stepping down at the end of June 2014. His wife and associate director, Auriol Smith, will also join him in leaving.
In 1971 Sam, together with Auriol and with a number of actors, directors and writers founded the Orange Tree Theatre in a room above the Orange Tree Pub. After twenty successful years there, the theatre moved to its present premises in February 1991. It was London’s first purpose built theatre-in-the-round and remains the only permanent champion of this type of work in the capital.
Over the years the reputation of Sam and the Orange Tree has grown and the policy of producing new plays and rediscovered masterpieces has given this tiny theatre a worldwide standing. Sam has also pioneered work in schools and the general community. He has introduced Sunday concerts and symposiums and run a highly regarded Trainee Directors Scheme.
To found and then run a successful theatre for 42 years has been a remarkable achievement, unsurpassed in modern times. Sam Walters’ and Auriol Smith’s departure closes a chapter for the Orange Tree Theatre. It follows one of the most successful seasons in the theatre’s life which saw full houses and universal acclaim for the last four productions.
The position of Artistic Director will be advertised in late July 2013.
A more detailed timeline of the theatre’s history can be found at: www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk/about-us/history
For press enquiries please contact Ben Clare on 020 8940 0141 or ben.clare@orangetreetheatre.co.uk
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