The Watermill Theatre and Restaurant's May Newsletter

Announcing our new Artistic and Executive Director


We are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Hart as The Watermill’s new Artistic and Executive Director. Paul takes up the position in the Autumn 2015, succeeding Hedda Beeby who steps down after 8 years in post. Hedda will continue as part-time Associate Producer for a handover period. Paul, who was an Associate of the all-male Shakespeare company Propeller, is already known to Watermill audiences having directed a number of successful shows for the theatre. He says:


"I am thrilled to be taking the reins at The Watermill. It is a space like no other, which nourishes a relationship between actors and audiences in an extraordinary way. I have been inspired by the innovation of the work here for many years and it will be a privilege to lead the company at this exciting juncture. I look forward to continuing to build on our relationships locally, nationally and internationally.”


You can read more about the appointment here.

Friends priority booking opens on

Monday 11 May at 10am.


Browse the brochure online here

Our Summer Winter season goes on sale on Monday 18 May


During the coming months you can enjoy music, comedy, Shakespearian drama and a magical adventure story, plus fascinating and entertaining events.


Our summer musical Oliver! and our Christmas show, Alice in Wonderland, are already on sale. Book now to avoid disappointment!


From Monday 18 May, you can book for our production of the West End comedy, The Ladykillers by Graham Linehan, a fast-paced adaptation of Macbeth performed by three actors and the Young Company’s production of Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast. David Soul returns to The Watermill, this time to read the poetry of Pablo Neruda. And we have two special fundraising Audience With… events – Mrs Minnie Churchill DL and Sir Richard Shirreff.


See more production photos here

When Bathsheba Everdene inherits a farm from her uncle, no one expects her to take on its management herself. But our spirited young heroine will not be deterred. Yet, whilst she rises impressively to the challenges of sheep farming, it is the trials of the heart that threaten to undo her.

‘…a sheer delight.’ Far From The Madding Crowd runs until 23 May


'Adaptor and director Jessica Swale skilfully knits the epic and intimate' ???? Whatsonstage


'... a deftly choreographed piece...' ???? The Stage


'...a multi-skilled, well-matched ensemble...' The Observer

'...a superb evening...' Newbury Weekly News


'This play is a delight and not just for Hardy fans...' Henley Standard

Tickets £26.50 - £14.50


Find out more and book

Bob Harris - Tuesday 12 May at 1.30pm

The face of 1970s live music TV show The Old Grey Whistle Test and Radio 2 presenter, will talk about his autobiography, Still Whispering After All These Years. Tickets £6.


Find out more and book

John Julius Norwich - Wednesday 20 May at 1.30pm

Much-loved historian and broadcaster, John Julius Norwich

will talk about his latest book, Sicily, a colourful and lavishly illustrated history of the Mediterranean’s largest and most turbulent island. Tickets £6.

Find out more and book

Julie Summers - Tuesday 16 June at 1.30pm

The Second World War was the WI’s finest hour. Jambusters tells the story of the minute and idiosyncratic details of everyday life during the Second World War and has inspired a major new ITV Drama series, Home Fires. Tickets £6.

Find out more and book

Professor Robert Douglas-Fairhurst - Tuesday 1 December at 7pm

Beneath the fairy tale of Alice In Wonderland lies the complex history of the author and his subject. Professor Robert Douglas-Fairhurst will talk about The Story of Alice - Lewis Carroll and the Secret History of Wonderland. Tickets £6.

Find out more and book

Summer Fair


Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of The Watermill and all the fun of our annual summer fair on Sunday 7 June from 12 noon to 4pm. There will be live music, stalls, games, delicious food, a Pimms bar and the chance to back a winner in the duck race on the river Lambourn. No pre-booking required. Adults £1, children under 12 free.


Find out more


Play in a Day for Adults


Work on your acting skills with a trained professional and create, rehearse and perform a new play all in one day. Suitable for beginners and experienced performers age 18 and over.


Sunday 17 May

10am to 5pm

Price £35


To book or for more information, please call Heidi on 01635 570934 or email heidi@watermill.org.uk


Nepal Earthquake Appeal


Thank you to our generous audiences who have helped to raise a fantastic £3,151.31 for the Nepal Earthquake appeal in just one week of collections after performances of Far From The Madding Crowd. Thank you for your support! 

The Watermill Theatre, Bar and Restaurant, Bagnor, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8AE.

Book online or call the Box Office 01635 46044