Support Us
Nestled on the banks of the river Lambourn, our converted Grade II listed rural watermill is home to a unique powerhouse of residential and artistic facilities which provide a crucible for creativity, innovative storytelling and artistic excellence. Artists and creatives from the UK and beyond develop their craft with us, making work which bursts out of the building to tour across the UK, or transfer to the West End. The reach, quality and innovation of our productions is evidenced by a strong track record of co-productions with commercial and subsidised companies, resulting in 50% of our productions being optioned for transfers and tours over the last 5 years.
Our work is characterised by an enduring pursuit of artistic innovation and the weaving of actor-musicianship through new writing and reinvigorated classics. We create the environment for actors and creatives to take risks, we tell stories on stage which reflect diverse lived experiences and we discover new ways to connect our annual audiences of 60,000, with live theatre that truly resonates. With a core belief in the transformative power of the arts, we open up opportunities for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, young families and isolated or displaced communities to explore their own creativity. Our engagement programmes reach 20,000 people each year, in the theatre, schools and other community settings. We engage with those who are underrepresented, hard to reach, or at risk and we drive long term impact for communities.
Our work spans four key priority areas: WOLRD PREMIERES, REVIVALS & REINVIGORATED CLASSICSWe produce eight full-scale productions at our 200-seat home in Newbury each year, with a central ethos to commission, discover and amplify new voices to create work that excites audiences now and will become part of the theatrical canon in the future. DEVELOPING TALENTWe act as an incubator of talent on and off stage, supporting artists and actors from historically underrepresented backgrounds to develop their craft and innovate in the sector. We connect emerging artists with experienced and highly skilled industry leaders who can mentor and support their work.DELIVERING IMPACT FOR COMMUNITIESWe use our artistic programme as a springboard for inspiring people to discover their own creativity and lasting connection to the arts, offering everyone, across the generations, an opportunity to participate and play through specialist and open workshops, events and programmes.TOURINGWe aim to make work that has a life beyond the Watermill stage, touring and transferring across the UK and internationally. We also tour work to reach rural communities (including the 30% living in West Berkshire’s most isolated communities) and to engage children and young people directly in their classrooms through our school’s tours. As a registered charity, your support makes our work possible. You can make a donation by clicking below, or if you’re interested in supporting us in other ways, why not find out more about becoming a Friend, Corporate support or leaving a legacy.
Donate now by clicking on the button below.
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Any donation, big or small, will help us continue to deliver our work onstage and offer opportunities for local people to be involved, inspired and engaged in our outreach work. To read our fundraising code of conduct, please click here.
You can also support us by becoming a local host. Local hosts help us to house visiting actors and creatives when space onsite is limited, and gain a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on The Watermill and the performing arts industry as a whole. To express interest and find out more, please contact admin@watermill.org.uk.