Orange Tree Matters: Divisive Pomona returns after hugely successful run at historic theatre

But when a play comes along which attracts sell-out crowds but causes some members of the audience to walk out mid-performance in disgust, you know something interesting has happened.

That play is called Pomona, penned by Alistair McDowall and directed by Ned Bennett.

It opened at the Orange Tree last winter and, after receiving critical acclaim, has now transferred to the National Theatre in London.

But while the dystopian thriller amazed and shocked audiences in equal measure its director says, while it is "uncomfortable", it is no more shocking than film or television.

"I think it is controversial because some of the ways in which the characters express themselves left people feeling uncomfortable," says Bennett.

"I think the way we told the story was unsettling and made people feel uncomfortable.

"People found aspects of it like a puzzle and were trying to solve it - that the nature of what the story is and what the writer is creating.

"I think I knew that some people might find it unsettling or uncomfortable but if you compare it with film or television, it is no different."

Director Ned Bennett says some people could find Pomona "uncomfortable and unsettling"

Pomona attracted a young audience, with £10 tickets available for under-30s at each performance. The theatre said 45 per cent of its crowd were visiting the Orange Tree for the first time.

One thing that stuck with Bennett was watching people get up from their seats and exit stage right in the middle of a performance - no easy feat at a theatre in-the-round.

He says: "Some people would leave during the show and when you leave at the Orange Tree, you have to pass at least two thirds of the audience on the way out.

"That spoke volumes."

The groundbreaking play received positive reviews but divided opinion

With rehearsals for its National Theatre transfer well underway, Bennett remains tight-lipped about how Pomona will adapt to its new inflated surrounding.

He says: "I don’t want to give away any new stuff - and there is going to be new stuff.

"Putting it into two different spaces, that is inevitable, and we want the show to fit and breathe appropriately in those spaces."

Pomona is the first production to transfer under the Orange Tree’s artistic director Paul Miller, who took over from founder Sam Walters last year.

According to him, it is important theatre reflects modern life and he feels that might be why some were left "dismayed" with Pomona.

He says: "Certainly some were put off by its depiction of aspects of modern life.

"But the theatre must reflect life as it’s lived now at the same time as looking to the past for lessons.

"That mix is the Orange Tree's mission.

"More interesting were the people who were dismayed by the author's underlying question - is it possible to be a good person now, given the sheer wealth of information about life on our planet at our fingertips?

"We are all compromised, the play says, and that's challenging."

Pomona is booking now at the National Theatre between September 10 and October 10 and the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester from October 29 to November 21.

To find out more, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk or call the National Theatre’s box office on 0208 940 3633.

What the critics and audiences said

Pomona provoked a varied reaction on social media

While Pomona received plaudits for the way it pushes boundaries and unsettles its audience, not everyone took kindly to it.

The Guardian’s theatre critic Michael Billington described the play as "not ideal for a vehicle with serious ideas".

In his review, he said: "The play itself, by the 27-year-old Alistair McDowall, was an unnerving mix of urban nightmare and sci-fi thriller that, while not my particular cup of tea, undoubtedly possessed a dark, compelling power."

However, Dan Rebellato, leading theatre academic at Royal Holloway University of London, said Pomona was the "most startling, thrilling and original new play of the year - maybe, decade."

And undoubtedly, while one took to social media and described it as a "wretched evening" others were in favour of Alistair McDowall’s ground-breaking play.

Matthew Gabrielli wrote on Twitter: "I saw #Pomona @OrangeTreeThtr yesterday afternoon, it's been described by some as the play of the decade, I think they might be right."

Ming Ho said: "Only 3 days to catch #Pomona @OrangeTreeThtr: gripping, clever, scary play; great cast & direction by @ned_bennett".

And Alexander Wilson tweeted: "So #Pomona is on the list of my favourite shows of the year. Seriously impressive performances and v dark disturbing. @OrangeTreeThtr".

A history of successes

Invincible went on to have a life away from the Orange Tree

Pomona is not the only play to enjoy rave reviews at the Orange Tree Theatre and receiving an extended life elsewhere.

Only last year, Torben Betts’ thought-provoking class comedy Invincible transferred to St James Theatre in Westminster, where it ran for one month.

Another box office hit was The Distance, which starred former Cold Feet and Friends actress Helen Baxendale, which transfers to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield before returning to the Orange Tree in November.

A number of hugely influential playwrights began their careers at the Orange Tree, including Martin Crimp, who has since produced at the National Theatre and Royal Court Theatre among others.

Support the Orange Tree Theatre

This is the final of four #OrangeTreeMatters features, which hopefully has helped shine a light on the excellent work and rich history of this famous playhouse.

Over the past month, we have explored the very beginnings of the theatre in a room above the Orange Tree pub in Richmond.

We also looked at the unsung heroes of its educational schemes as well as the staff who make it such a special place to watch world-class fringe theatre on your doorstep, despite losing its Arts Council funding.

And finally, whether you love or hate Pomona, there can be no doubt it is a privilege to have had such a hard-hitting production making its debut in Richmond.

The Richmond and Twickenham Times will continue to bring you all the latest news from the Orange Tree Theatre.

Carry on using Twitter and Facebook to tell us why the #OrangeTreeMatters to you.

This month, we will begin previewing the upcoming new season.

But for now, please consider booking a ticket if you have never visited before or, if you are a more proactive supporter, find out how to become at member at orangetreetheatre.co.uk.