Tamsin Greig leads “Cranford” cast — full cast announced for new Orange Tree Theatre production

LONDON — Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond today announced the full cast of its new production, “Cranford”, the stage adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic 1853 novel, written by Lin Coghlan and Shaun McKenna and co-created and directed by Josh Roche. In the leading role of Matty Jenkyns, acclaimed actress Tamsin Greig heads an ensemble of ten performers, in a story about a close-knit community of strong women in 1840s England.

Greig, known from stage and screen — from “Friday Night Dinner” and “Episodes” to “God of Carnage” in the West End — is joined on stage by Sara Crowe (Mrs Forester), Abigail Cruttenden (Deborah Jenkyns/Lady Glenmire), Saffron Dey (Martha/Young Matty), Alexandra Gilbreath (Miss Pole), Jonny Glynn in multiple roles, Michael Lumsden (Tom Holbrook/Dr Hoggins/Dobson), Robert Merriam (Jem Hearn/Young Peter), Sara Powell (Mrs Jamieson) and Phoebe Pryce (Eliza Cleghorn).

“Cranford” begins previews on 3 November 2026, with the official opening on 13 November, and runs until 16 January 2027. Gaskell’s story depicts the daily life of a small town where gossip travels fast and traditions run deep, but where change is knocking at the door — a theme that director Josh Roche, following the success of “The Forsyte Saga” adaptation at the RSC, brings back with writers Coghlan and McKenna.

Orange Tree Theatre, one of London’s most respected fringe theatre spaces, thus continues its tradition of curated productions of classic works. For Greig this is a return to an intimate stage after a career spanning the National Theatre, Royal Court, Donmar Warehouse and television roles such as “Green Wing” and “Inside No. 9”.

Source: BroadwayWorld