Two artists. One marriage.
Fiona is a novelist on the brink of fame with a new book that blurs the line between fiction and confession. Ivo, once a celebrated actor, has been cancelled—and he suspects Fiona’s success may be built on the bones of his downfall.
Set over a single turbulent morning, this razor-sharp play examines the shifting power dynamics between love and ambition, truth and narrative, art and the people it consumes.
Loosely inspired by Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage, Spanish Oranges is a searing exploration of modern intimacy and the lies we tell on the page, on the stage, and to each other.
Star of classic James Bond film The Living Daylights, Maryam D'Abo leads a stellar cast in this blistering new debut play from acclaimed novelist Alba Arikha, directed by Myriam Cyr, which makes its world premiere at the Playground Theatre.
We sat down with Maryam D'Abo to learn more.
Fiona is a novelist on the brink of fame with a new book that blurs the line between fiction and confession. Ivo, once a celebrated actor, has been cancelled—and he suspects Fiona’s success may be built on the bones of his downfall.
Set over a single turbulent morning, this razor-sharp play examines the shifting power dynamics between love and ambition, truth and narrative, art and the people it consumes.
Loosely inspired by Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage, Spanish Oranges is a searing exploration of modern intimacy and the lies we tell on the page, on the stage, and to each other.
Star of classic James Bond film The Living Daylights, Maryam D'Abo leads a stellar cast in this blistering new debut play from acclaimed novelist Alba Arikha, directed by Myriam Cyr, which makes its world premiere at the Playground Theatre.
We sat down with Maryam D'Abo to learn more.
What can you tell me about the role you play within Spanish Oranges?
In the play Spanish Oranges, I play the character Fiona who is a celebrated author. After seven years, she has emerged from darkness with a new novel And is hoping to make a literary comeback. At the same time, her marriage is on the rocks. She hopes her novel’s success may also save her marriage.
What drew you to this role?
I strongly empathise with the journey of this woman who is intelligent sensitive and vulnerable. Seven years absent from the lime light, Fiona is an artist forging a new path while navigating power struggles with her husband and the prospect of the end of her marriage.
How does the play parallel Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
Spanish Oranges is about a couple whose marriage is in distress and they are fighting and struggling to keep their marriage alive.
How does Spanish Oranges build on that narrative?
The husband, an actor has been ‘cancelled’ and the wife, a writer is on the cusp of having her book published. The two clash because their needs are not being met and they are loosing trust in each other.
How do you think Fiona’s quest for success impacts her relationship with Ivo?
Fiona’s quest for success has a big impact on Ivo and reinforces his life falling apart. It isolates him even further from Fiona and the world. His self-worth hits rock bottom as he sees her distancing herself from him.
The play has been characterised as a “blistering exploration of modern intimacy.” What do you think modern audiences will resonate with?
Modern audiences will empathise with this couple as the story is about the twist and turns in a marriage, and how two people end up alienating each other despite it all.
What is your mental and physical preparation ahead of a run in a show?
To be healthy, focused and open to the rehearsal process. To learn the lines as well as possible in order to be as free as possible to perform on stage.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on you?
Peter Scheafer’s “Amadeus” (1979) with Paul Scofield and Simon Callow had a big impact on me. The drama was a powerful & magnificent production at the National Theatre.
How do you reflect back on your career to date?
I have been very lucky as my work has allowed me to travel and experience other cultures through acting.
What drew you to this role?
I strongly empathise with the journey of this woman who is intelligent sensitive and vulnerable. Seven years absent from the lime light, Fiona is an artist forging a new path while navigating power struggles with her husband and the prospect of the end of her marriage.
How does the play parallel Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
Spanish Oranges is about a couple whose marriage is in distress and they are fighting and struggling to keep their marriage alive.
How does Spanish Oranges build on that narrative?
The husband, an actor has been ‘cancelled’ and the wife, a writer is on the cusp of having her book published. The two clash because their needs are not being met and they are loosing trust in each other.
How do you think Fiona’s quest for success impacts her relationship with Ivo?
Fiona’s quest for success has a big impact on Ivo and reinforces his life falling apart. It isolates him even further from Fiona and the world. His self-worth hits rock bottom as he sees her distancing herself from him.
The play has been characterised as a “blistering exploration of modern intimacy.” What do you think modern audiences will resonate with?
Modern audiences will empathise with this couple as the story is about the twist and turns in a marriage, and how two people end up alienating each other despite it all.
What is your mental and physical preparation ahead of a run in a show?
To be healthy, focused and open to the rehearsal process. To learn the lines as well as possible in order to be as free as possible to perform on stage.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on you?
Peter Scheafer’s “Amadeus” (1979) with Paul Scofield and Simon Callow had a big impact on me. The drama was a powerful & magnificent production at the National Theatre.
How do you reflect back on your career to date?
I have been very lucky as my work has allowed me to travel and experience other cultures through acting.
For me, the goal is not to reflect back on my career, but go forward as a truer and better actor.
What keeps you inspired?
We are all touched by stories—our own and those of the people we meet. Stories are imperative to pass on to the next generation and to find truth in all our lives.
What do you hope audiences take away from this unique theatrical experience?
I hope audiences empathise with the characters’ journey and experience the joy, laughter and truth of their lives.
What keeps you inspired?
We are all touched by stories—our own and those of the people we meet. Stories are imperative to pass on to the next generation and to find truth in all our lives.
What do you hope audiences take away from this unique theatrical experience?
I hope audiences empathise with the characters’ journey and experience the joy, laughter and truth of their lives.
Spanish Oranges runs at The Playground Theatre from Wednesday 11th February until Saturday 7th March 2026. Tickets are available https://www.theplaygroundtheatre.org.uk/projects/spanish-oranges-
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