Ruth Leon recommends… The Circle – Orange Tree Theatre

The Circle – Orange Tree Theatre

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20 to 23 June.
Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy of manners was first staged in 1921 and has remained a firm favourite with audiences ever since. The Circle opened at the Orange Tree Theatre in May and is now available to stream.

 Somerset Maugham was among the most successful novelists and playwrights of the inter-war years. Many of his novels, including The Painted Veil, Theatre, Up at the Villa and Of Human Bondage, have been adapted for the screen. The Circle follows hit Orange Tree productions of Maugham’s Sheppey and The Breadwinner.

The sun is shining on the manicured lawns of the Dorset home of Arnold Champion-Cheney, MP. The Great War is over. Arnold’s political career is blossoming. He has a beautiful young wife, Elizabeth. If only the servants would dust his antiques properly, everything would be perfect. But Arnold’s idyllic life is about to explode into chaos. His rakish father is staying for the weekend. His scandalous long-lost mother is descending with her detested husband in tow. And there’s a dashing young stranger who seems far too interested in Elizabeth…

Will history come full circle? Or can one generation learn from their parents’ disastrous mistakes?
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Tom Littler directs his first production as the new Artistic Director of the Orange Tree. 
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