Objects and Artefacts
A selection of the items on display at the Museum as part of the exhibition (December 2021 - August 2022).
Patrick O’Connell, A Victorian Evening at the Richmond Fringe Theatre, 1980. Linocut.
The artist was an accomplished actor who used to appear in fringe theatre and this print was bought by the lender at a fundraiser for the Orange Tree, c. 1990.
On loan from Adam Harrison.
Valerie G. Landon, The Orange Tree, 1987. Watercolour.
A view of the pub with the old school – soon to become the new theatre – visible behind. Note the antique shop, ‘Godots’, to the left of the pub.
On loan from the OT (to whom the painting was gifted by Bernard and Sylvia Marder).
1: Theatre Projects Consultants, A Plan for the Stage and Surrounding Seating of the New Theatre, 1989. On loan from the OT.
2: Theatre Projects Consultants, A Cross Section Drawing for the Stage and Surrounding Seating of the New Theatre, 1989. Note the stage pit, professional lighting and balcony seating. On loan from the OT.
Paulo Baigent, The New Orange Tree Theatre, 1991. Print.
One of a number of prints sold for the benefit of the fundraising appeal.
On loan from the OT.
'An Octoroon', 2017
Br'er Rabbit mask; Captain Ratts puppet head; axes
Br'er Rabbit mask designed by Georgia Lowe and made by Andy Fordham for Allied Arts .
These items appeared in the premier of 'An Octoroon', which saw Ned Bennett's directorial return to the Orange Tree Theatre. First written in the 19th century, the play was adapted by Brandon Jacob-Jenkins to explore contemporary issues of race and African-American heritage.
This incredibly realistic rabbit mask was made for the Br'er Rabbit character, an anti-authoritarian trickster who tap-danced across the stage. The character of Captain Ratts, a slave ship owner, was represented by the puppet head.
Following a critically acclaimed run in Richmond, 'An Octoroon' transferred to the National Theatre and won several awards.
On loan from the OT.
'Pomona', 2014
Cthulhu mask and design sketch
Designed and made by Isa Shaw-Abulafia
'Pomona' was one of the Orange Tree's most explosive and successful productions to date. Set in a dystopian wasteland, the play's nightmarish characters included Cthulhu, a monstrous creature by the fantasy writer H. P. Lovecraft. This mask was carved from liquid latex and quickly became an iconic symbol of the play.
'Pomona' transferred to the National Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre after a sold out run in Richmond. You can read a conversation between its writer, Alistair McDowall, and the director, Ned Bennett, on the 'Oral Histories > Written Contributions' page.
On loan from Isa Shaw-Abulafia.
Image credits: Isa Shaw-Abulafia.
Model of the Orange Tree Theatre
A model box is a miniature version of the set and stage design which is created afresh every show. It helps the director, cast and behind-the scenes team to visualise what the designer has in mind and share their ideas. For a theatre in the round, model boxes are particularly helpful for establishing where audience sightlines might be obscured. This particular model box is an exact replica of the Orange Tree Theatre.
On loan from the OT.
'Last Easter', 2021
Frog puppet and Madonna statuette
These items were used in a recent and well-received production of 'Last Easter' at the Orange Tree Theatre in 2021. The frog puppet belonged to a character who worked as a prop maker and the light-up Madonna statuette was purchased in the play at Lourdes; they are just two examples of the unusual props created in the Orange Tree workshop.
On loan from the OT.
'Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act', 2021
Detective Sergeant's dossier
This folder of official looking documents was created for the character Detective Sergeant du Preez in a production of 'Statements After an Arrest under the Immorality Act' at the Orange Tree in 2021. In an in-the-round theatre where the audience are so close to the action, props must be as detailed and authentic looking as possible. Amongst other things, this 'police department case file' contains fingerprints, keys, matchboxes and even polaroid mugshots of the cast in character.
On loan from the OT.
Script for 'The Secret Life', 1988
The Orange Tree Theatre is famed for its rediscoveries. In 1988 it staged the world premier of Harley Granville Barker's 'The Secret Life', with Vivien Heilbron appearing as the play's extraordinary heroine, Lady Joan. On being offered the part by Sam Walters, Heilbron had telephoned to accept from a phone box at Richmond Station, being so delighted that she could not wait until she was home.
On loan from Vivien Heilbron.
Souvenir brochure, 1991 (edited by Marsha Hanlon)
This brochure was published shortly after the opening of the 'new' Orange Tree Theatre in the former primary school on Clarence Street. The brochure celebrates the fundraising efforts which made the move possible, and includes interviews with actors, writers and directors, as well as a history of highlights from 1971-1991.
On loan from Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library and Archive, LC/13555.
