The Save The Watermill Appeal Hits its £3 Million Target
Press release - 30 October 2008

The Chair of the Save the Watermill Appeal, Ralph Bernard announced today that the £3 million fundraising appeal launched in June 2005 has been reached.  This amazing achievement has been thanks to a whole host of people and organisations.  Over 4,000 individuals, trusts, foundations and businesses gave money to the appeal.

Ralph Bernard gave his deep thanks to all donors “This has been an extraordinary time in the theatre’s history.  Having raised a staggering £3 million in just three short years we have accomplished so much. This is a tremendous achievement for us all and I am very grateful to everyone who has given so generously to the appeal.  The theatre is in a terrific position - we can now look forward an exciting future ahead”.

The money raised has been spent in the following ways:

·  It bought The Watermill premises for £1.6 million  which are now owned by The Watermill Theatre Limited

·  It enabled us to rebuild the lily pond area creating extra space for patrons and an area for workshops and meetings

· It enabled us to create an additional car park for our audiences

· It enabled us to build additional toilets, including a new toilet for disabled patrons

· It enabled us to improve the electricity supply to the theatre and upgrade the sewage treatment plant

· It enabled us to re-furbish the actors’ accommodation which had greatly deteriorated over the past 25 years of constant use 

· It enabled us to  build a new rehearsal studio

· It enabled us to build a much needed new office block for production, stage management and administrative staff and visiting artists

The Watermill’s Artistic Director Hedda Beeby said "This is a tremendous achievement and I’d like to thank everyone on behalf of The Watermill team who helped with the appeal.  Now The Watermill can continue to build on its heritage, creating a place that will continue to support emerging talent, lead the way in the delivering artistic excellence and welcome our very supportive audience."

David Suchet who has been a major supporter throughout the campaign said

"A magnificent £3 million has been raised to Save The Watermill. Wonderful news!  My heartfelt thanks to you for enabling The Watermill to continue its work. With the buildings secure and necessary work undertaken the theatre can now look to the future. Please continue to visit regularly. By doing so you will help the theatre to thrive and enable it to continue to nurture the young talent of the actors, directors and designers of tomorrow.’"

Dame Judi Dench added "I am thrilled to hear that the Save The Watermill appeal has raised the £3 million needed to ensure that we can continue to enjoy wonderful productions in such a beautiful space. Both my daughter and I have unbelievably happy memories of appearing there. It is so encouraging to know that so many people value the theatre and all that it does in the local community and way beyond.  Thank you to everyone for responding so magnificently."

*****

"It is such wonderful news that the appeal to Save The Watermill has reached its target. Now other young actors, directors and creative teams can benefit from the same encouragement and support that I received, when I worked there, in my first ever job. Theatre is crucial to our development as a society and to have avoided the catastrophic loss of one as important and as beautifully appointed as The Watermill is a marvellous thing in the modern world."
Bill Nighy

"When I helped to launch the appeal to Save The Watermill three years ago we were  overwhelmed by the response from all those who visit the theatre, people in West Berkshire and around the country. Your determination to save the theatre from closure has meant that we have reached our £3 million target.  The Watermill can now look to the future and, with your continued support, continue to enrich the lives of all those who are touched by its work.  Thank you."
Timothy West CBE

"Thank you, thank you to everyone who has rallied round to support the Save The Watermill appeal. I am delighted that we have been successful and it has been heartening to see how highly the theatre is valued.  Not only is the theatre safe from closure but your money has enabled vital building work to be undertaken and facilities to be improved for us all. I hope you continue to enjoy your visits to The Watermill as much as I do."
Prunella Scales