Tom Littler is leaving Jermyn Street theatre at the end of the year to take over at the Orange tree in Richmond after five years as artistic director at the West End’s tiny but ambitious playhouse. Penny Horner, co-founder and trustee of the theatre, said on behalf of the board and her co-founder Howard Jameson that it had been an honour and a joy working alongside him for the last half decade and they were incredibly grateful for all his hard work in shaping Jermyn Street to become the organisation it is today.
“JST has gone from strength to strength these past few years, thanks to his brilliant leadership,” she said.” He has steadfastly helmed out little shop through the uncertain waters of the past two years – emerging not only afloat, but in the strongest position we have ever been both creatively and organisationally. We are of course delighted for Tom on his new appointment and wish him all the best in his new role.”
The Orange Tree opened in 1971 in a room above a pub, moving to its present premises with a 180 seat auditorium in 1991 and specialises in staffing new plays and rediscovering classics. Littler will become artistic director and joint CEO. His last production at Jermyn Street will be JST Love All in September.
As I regularly cover the JST productions I would only add that it has been a stimulating five years, I have watched many fine productions some directed by him, and that I admire how he managed to keep the theatre functioning during the pandemic and after a disastrous flood right at the start which damaged the premises of this West End jewel. It may not be the biggest stone in the West End theatres' crown but it certainly sparkles brightly.