The Orange Tree Theatre has revealed details of its latest 'Recovery Season' shows as it is about to enter its 50th anniversary year.

The collection of four plays involve stories that reveal how laughter and comedy can help in even the darkest times.

The theatre, as much of cultural life, went dark through pandemic lockdowns, however it is bouncing back with both its Recovery Season stage plays and a much expanded community programme.

The next Spring season begins with a world premiere of Sonali Bhattacharyya's 'Two Billion Beats', directed by Nimmo Ismail, whose CV includes working at the Young Vic.

It is described as an insightful, moving, and tremendously funny coming-of-age story about the unfairness of growing up in a world where you don't make the rules.

Next year will also bring the staging of Tom Fool, which is from Germany's most frequently performed playwright Franz Xaver Kroetz.

The dark and unnervingly funny play turns a spotlight on how capitalism creeps into the minutiae of family's life and can warp the role of women.

Inspired by true events, The Misfortune of the English is a story of (mis)adventure and blind optimism, nationhood, and courage in the face of disaster.

This UK premiere of Pamela Carter's new play is directed by Oscar Toeman.

The Orange Tree's own Artistic Director, Paul Miller, directs Pierre Marivaux's The False Servant in a translation by Martin Crimp, which first premiered at the National Theatre in 2003.

With its glitteringly funny surface and erotically ambiguous undertone, it promises serious pleasure for the summer.

All the productions will also be live-streamed with OT On Screen and some available on demand.

Separately, the Orange Tree is extending its Community work, which offers groups for all ages from babies through to over 60s.

These will be joining together in August 2022 for a Community Festival. The team will also a new project 'Play On' with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream for primary and secondary schools, directed by Liam Shea.

Details on how to become an Orange Tree member and bookings can be found here.