FRIENDS OF THE WATERMILL

The Friends of The Watermill play a vital role in supporting the work of the theatre. We make a significant financial contribution but equally as important, we create opportunities for people to come together and enjoy a range of events both at the theatre and elswhere. Please consider joining us.

In return for becoming a Friend you will receive

  • a regular newsletter
  • priority booking whenever possible
  • meet the cast party nights (the second Thursday of every production after the show)
  • special members events such as theatre outings, supper talks, garden visits and the snowdrop walk at Welford Park.
  • free exchange or re-sale of tickets

Friends membership costs:
£25 for single membership and £40 for a joint membership (2 people)

Peter Dann
Chairman, Friends of The Watermill

If you would like to become a Friend of The Watermill, contact Friends' secretary, Julie Pearson on 01635 45834 or email: admin@watermill.org.uk

An interview with Peter Dann, Friends' Chairman:
 
Peter, you have been on the Friends committee for over two years and you are now the Friends Chairman. Why do you think the Friends are so important to the continued existence of The Watermill Theatre?  
"The Friends form the nucleus of the audiences at the theatre, and their interest and enthusiasm is passed on to their friends and acquaintances; a personal recommendation is worth a lot of advertising."

You run a variety of different events throughout the year including events such as the Summer Fair, supper talks, theatre trips, walks and drinks parties with the cast. How do you decide what events you are going to run each season? 
"The Committee meetings are lively affairs and often we have many different ideas for future events; what we try to do is to offer a variety of activities so that there should be something that will interest everyone.  One of our main aims is to raise money to support the theatre, but we want to encourage as many Friends as possible to benefit from the social aspect as well."

How much time and commitment would someone thinking of joining the Friends committee need to dedicate? 
"We have between six and eight committee meetings a year – usually held at 7:30 in the theatre buildings on a midweek evening; they usually last less than two hours.  In addition to these meetings, we need a few members to be present at each of our various events.  The lead up to Summer Fair in June is a busy time – collecting raffle prizes, and then there is the day itself!!  However, there is always the satisfaction of a job well done."

What would you say to someone thinking of joining the Friends committee? 
"Come and meet us – we would love to talk to you!"

"I have been going to The Watermill for over thirty years, but since becoming involved with the Friends Committee, I have really enjoyed getting much more involved with the theatre and the staff;  it’s like any other aspect of life – the more you put in, the more you get out!"
 
If you are interested in joining the committee or for an informal chat, please call the Friends Chairman, Peter Dann on 01635 200443 or email copse.hill@googlemail.com.