An Audience with John Doyle

We are delighted to welcome award-winning director, former Watermill Associate Director and friend – John Doyle - back to the theatre this summer.

John developed his signature ‘actor-musician’ style whilst at our small but mighty theatre – with his notable 2004 production of Sweeney Todd, later transferring to Broadway (and earning Doyle a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical). This success was followed by a similar actor-musician transfer of Sondheim’s Company, in 2006, which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Doyle’s tenure at the Watermill (which ended with his final production, Merrily We Roll Along, in 2008) redefined the Watermill’s identity.

In his 2025 memoir, Opening Doors: Reimagining the American Musical, John Doyle reflects on his 50-year journey in the theatre, moving from a "hardscrabble youth" in the Scottish Highlands to his Tony Award-winning success on Broadway. The memoir details how his signature "actor-musician" style was born not just from artistic vision, but from practical necessity. He describes the conditions at the Watermill Theatre and other regional venues where small budgets and tiny stages (often lacking orchestra pits) forced him to "think outside the box." By integrating actors as storytellers who also play their own instruments, he found a way to "shrink-wrap" large musicals while amplifying their emotional power.

Come along for a thrilling conversation with John, and the opportunity to hear more about his work and his latest book. John will also be signing books after the event, and we will also have a small selection of books available to purchase on the day.

This is a fundraising event, which means all profits will go towards our ongoing fundraising - thank you for your support.