An inspirational Artistic Director is being sought by the award winning Orange Tree Theatre.

The independent theatre, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, is at the heart of Richmond borough's cultural life.

It has fostered a reputation for nurturing new and emerging talent, while at the same time it has won much praise for its community work, particularly with young performers.

The OT started over a pub before moving to its current home, a former Victorian primary school, in 1991 and is now considered a 'key part of the UK's small-scale theatre ecology'.

The current Artistic Director, Paul Miller, is stepping down after eight years in charge and, most recently, successfully bringing the Orange Tree though the 'seismic impact' of the pandemic.

The new Artistic Director will be responsible for the artistic vision, creating a world-class programme of plays across three strands: New Plays, Contemporary Revivals and Rediscoveries.

They will also work with the Community Director to develop work with and for the community, as well as developing artists under OT New Artists.

And as Joint Chief Executive they will also work with the Development & Communications team to support with fundraising and marketing to new and core audiences.

The Artistic Director shares responsibility with the Executive Director, Hanna Streeter, for the leadership of the organisation and both post-holders report to the Board of Trustees.

The theatre and its team have achieved remarkable success against the background of funding difficulties.

Most recently it has survived the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns, which savaged its income. And as far back as 2014, the team had the rug pull from under their feet when Arts Council England announced the theatre would no longer be funded as a National Portfolio Organisation.

Despite that setback, the Orange Tree reached average annual audience of 70,000 across the UK and - before the pandemic – it was on course to make its first significant surplus.

In the theatre's early days, Martin Crimp, James Saunders, Fay Weldon, Torben Betts were championed at early stages of their development.

Since 2014 the theatre has worked with almost 70,000 people through its education projects which take original language, modern interpretations of Shakespeare plays into primary and secondary schools; and its vast participatory Community programme, now working with all ages from babies and parents, Youth Theatre and Young Company, to adult and over 60s companies.

In 2020 the theatre launched OT On Screen to stream productions for the first time, a service that has proven vital during the pandemic with the OT livestreaming six productions to-date.

Looking ahead, the theatre has ambitious plans to redevelop its front of house area to become more open, accessible and welcoming.