Charley's Aunt Workshops

We’re teaming up with Newbury Pride and Berkshire Youth to celebrate and explore the themes of our smash-hit production, Charley's Aunt, with a series of free workshops.

Get involved in drama sessions, design workshops and drop-in art sessions all centred around ideas of gender identity, reimagining classic texts and the creative process behind producing a new theatre production. 

These free workshops, taking place at Berkshire Youth during October half term, are open to anyone aged 14 -17.

29 October:

1.15pm - Re-write The Text
This workshop will focus on reimagining classic texts through a 21st century lens. Explore how to update themes and characters to reflect modern attitudes and values with a Watermill writer, and create your own ideas and concepts for new adaptations of much-loved stories.

2.30pm - Character Design Workshop
Find out about the creative process behind designing for theatre from one of the Watermill’s theatre designers, and create some original costume concepts of your own. 

3.45pm - Community Collage 
Create part of our communal bunting! Join local queer artist Eden (she/they) to explore and celebrate themes around LGBTQIA+ identity through adding to our fabric bunting in any way you choose. We look forward to seeing what you create using fabric collage, pens, needles and thread.

5pm - A Place To Be You
A warm and welcoming session for LGBTQ+ young people and those exploring their identity to connect with others in a friendly, open and nurturing environment. This fun drama-based session will be a safe space where individuality is celebrated and everyone is welcomed to be their true self. 

30 October:

1.15pm - Comedy Through Character
Explore how Victorian comedy can be reimagined through a 21st century lens. Using sections of the Charley’s Aunt script, we’ll explore themes of gender identity and the representation of characters on stage through comedy. 

2.30pm - Direct The Drama
Led by a Watermill Theatre director, gain insight into the directing process and learn what’s involved in creating and representing onstage relationships. Using the Charley’s Aunt script as a springboard, you’ll have a chance to direct a section of the play. 

3.45pm - Community Collage 
Collaborate and create a piece of group artwork! Come and join local artist Jacky in our graffiti art session.  This workshop offers a fun opportunity to explore personal identity and themes around LGBTQI+ , using painting techniques and stencil work.

5pm - A Place To Be You
A warm and welcoming session for LGBTQ+ young people and those exploring their identity to connect with others in a friendly, open and nurturing environment. This fun drama-based session will be a safe space where individuality is celebrated and everyone is welcomed to be their true self.