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Thanks to Greenham Trust''s special double matched day on

24 July, a ?1 donation from you = ?3 for The Watermill Theatre!*

On Friday 24 July for one day only, for every ?1 you kindly donate to The Watermill's ACT NOW to help us ACT tomorrow appeal on The Good Exchange fundraising platform, Greenham Trust will donate ?2. This means your investment will triple in value immediately.

Over the past four months and whilst our doors have remained temporarily closed, we have been working hard behind the scenes, planning for the future, and creating and delivering a range of exciting online content for our audiences and participants. We have engaged with over 1,000 people via these regular offerings and this has only been possible thanks to the kindness of our Watermill community.

We are now entering into the next phase of our recovery and we would be very grateful if you are able to support us by taking part in this special one-off event on Friday 24 July. 

Donations to our ACT NOW, to help us ACT tomorrow appeal will safeguard The Watermill''s future, and ensure that theatre continues to have a strong artistic presence in West Berkshire. A gift from you will help us to launch our re-opening season as soon as government restrictions are fully lifted, and will help The Watermill bring live theatre to the stage for your enjoyment. 

We are determined to bounce back as strongly as ever, and we can't wait to welcome you inside our unique auditorium once again.

Please consider supporting us on Friday 24 July by making a donation via The Good Exchange. Thank you.

Remember, on Friday 24 July, a ?1 donation from you = ?3 for The Watermill*

*up to a maximum total of ?5,000 i.e. cumulative donations reaching ?5,000 will release ?10,000 in matched funds.

There''s just one week left to join us for a night of murder, mystery and magic at the theatre! There are only a few seating bubbles remaining so grab yours while you can!

Critically acclaimed one-man show, Bloodshot follows the story of photographer Derek Eveleigh who is unexpectedly caught up in a tantalising murder mystery. But will he be able to solve the puzzle before it''s too late?

Bloodshot runs until Saturday 17 October

Tickets from ?23

Age guidance 14+

Hannah Edwards makes her Watermill Theatre debut in the role of Amy Johnson. Her previous credits include The Great Gatsby (Immersive Ldn); REWILD (Omnibus Theatre) and Call The Midwife (BBC).

Benedict Salter returns to The Watermill following previous roles in The Importance of Being Earnest (2019) and A Little Night Music (2017). He will bring to life over 15 characters, introducing us to the people who shaped Amy Johnson''s life, from her father to her flight instructor! Benedict''s other credits include the West End productions of Lady Windermere's Fan and An Inspector Calls. Benedict was also a BBC Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award finalist in 2016.

Thursday 22 October to Saturday 21 November 

Tickets ?25 - ?23 

Age guidance 8+

Seating bubbles of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are available. We advise booking early to secure your chosen seating bubble size.  

Lone Flyer is kindly supported by The Sheepdrove Trust

We extend our sincere thanks to The Sheepdrove Trust who are supporting an extra week of rehearsals for Lone Flyer. This generous funding will provide crucial time to explore the show in more depth, whilst observing new Covid-secure workplace measures.

Thursday 26 November to Sunday 3 January 2021

Tickets ?25 to ?10

Age guidance 5+

We are unable to admit under 4s or babes in arms into the auditorium.

Please note, numbers will be limited for this event to ensure social distancing and participants are required to wear a face covering (unless exempt).

Join us for coffee and a delicious mince pie before creating some festive magic! All materials will be supplied including the ring, moss, greenery, cones, berries and dried oranges. Wreaths can be finished off with a ribbon if wished.

Thursday 10 December

Tea and coffee at 9.30am, wreath making at 9.45am

Price ?39

With your safety being our priority and social distancing in place for the foreseeable future, the number of audience members we are able to welcome to the theatre has been significantly reduced.

Unfortunately, this means we are only able to sell approximately 37% of the seats in our auditorium - we usually aim to reach in excess of 80% capacity to break-even. We know it''s a big ask, and many of you will have already supported The Watermill this year - helping us to weather the storm and stay afloat during our enforced closure - but if you can, please consider making a donation to our FULL HOUSE appeal.

We are determined to continue creating ambitious and exciting theatre for audiences of all ages, but operating at such a reduced capacity involves a high level of risk. Sadly The Watermill did not qualify for funding from the Government''s ?1.5 billion arts industry bailout so - now more than ever - your support will make a dramatic difference.

A gift from you towards our FULL HOUSE appeal will help us to overcome the effects of reducing our seating capacity, so that we can continue to tell brilliant stories in imaginative ways for all to enjoy.

As well as our restaurant, bar and the Lilypond conservatory, we have built a beautiful canopy in the garden to give audience members visiting The Watermill extra room to spread out.

All of our public areas have been arranged to accommodate social distancing, with your safety in mind. Find out more about all of the measures we have introduced to keep you safe at The Watermill Theatre here.

With thanks to Ten by Fifteen Structures for kindly providing this fabulous stretch tent to support our socially distanced autumn season.

Friends Priority Booking opens Thursday 10 September at 10am

General Booking opens Monday 14 September at 10am

Unlock Priority Booking! Become a Friend of The Watermill

We are incredibly excited to announce our next season of shows at The Watermill Theatre.

On 15 August, the Government announced plans to allow theatres to reopen for socially distanced indoor performances with safety measures in place. We are delighted to share news with you, that this autumn we will be presenting a limited season of performances inside our beautiful auditorium.

Our autumn 2020 reopening season features shows with smaller cast sizes, reduced capacity inside the auditorium and socially distanced seating to enable you to get back to watching the very best live theatre.

Step into the world of film noir; discover the true story of a national treasure; and be transported to Dickens' London all in the safe surroundings of the Watermill Theatre.

To ensure everyone's safety at The Watermill we have implemented social distancing measures, and this includes significantly reducing the number of audience members we can welcome inside the theatre for each performance.   

Inside the theatre

We have reconfigured our auditorium to allow for social distancing. Seating bubbles will be able to accommodate groups of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. All seats in a bubble must be purchased in one transaction and can only be made up of people within your own household or support bubble. Social distancing between bubbles will be observed in the auditorium. Audience members will be required to wear face masks and we kindly ask you to observe social distancing at all times during your visit.

Cleaning procedures and heating system

To enhance your safety, we are using a fogging machine to regularly sanitise all public areas at The Watermill. To find out more about the method and product we are using, please visit www.wehavebeenfogged.co.uk

To avoid recirculating air in the auditorium, the theatre will be heated before audience members arrive and then fresh air will be continuously fed through the theatre during performances. There will also be hand sanitiser stations, a one-way system for accessing the toilets and signage to indicate routes and procedures.

E-tickets

New for this season we have introduced the use of e-tickets and would like to encourage audience members to print their own tickets at home or to show their tickets on an electronic device (e.g. a phone or tablet) where possible to avoid the handling of paper tickets. Paper tickets will still be available if you do not have a smart phone or access to a printer at home.

The Watermill Theatre will be operating in accordance with government guidance at the time of the performance and we will continue to closely monitor this in the lead-up to our performances. We will be constantly reviewing and adapting to any new guidelines issued. If we are unable to go ahead with a show, in the event of a local lockdown for example, we will contact you as soon as possible via email or phone and we will offer you a transfer or a refund for your tickets. Please make sure that we have your up to date contact information so that we can get in touch with you if necessary.

We can''t wait to welcome you back!

Friends Priority Booking opens Thursday 10 September at 10am

General Booking opens Monday 14 September at 10am

Unlock Priority Booking! Become a Friend of The Watermill

Join The Watermill Theatre Outreach department for three exciting online creative programmes, Onstage, Offstage and Backstage, giving participants of all ages the opportunity to develop skills with a range of industry professionals during a term of sessions. These sessions are suitable for those who want to learn for fun and those who are interested in a career in the arts: sign up for one, two or all three programmes!

Onstage

Engage with the world of live theatre and learn all about acting movement and voice from Monday 28 September to Monday 30 November.

Offstage

Find out about the process of writing and directing for the stage as well as the theory and practise behind a range of styles from Tuesday 29 September to Tuesday 1 December.

Backstage

From stage management and lighting to sound, set and costume design there are many stages to putting on a production. Discover what happens behind the scenes from Wednesday 30 September to Wednesday 2 December.

Cost ?52 per course

Sessions will take place via zoom. If you or someone you know would like to take part but are unable to access the sessions online, please contact louise@watermill.org.uk or call Outreach on 01635 570927 and we may be able to offer support. 

BSL and Captioning is available if needed. 

Limited bursary placements are available. Please contact Louise using the details above to find out more.

Book one session or join us every week, it''s up to you! These sessions are generously funded by Greenham Trust and are free for everyone! Book your free place below.

The Watermill Theatre reopens with critically acclaimed 5 star show Bloodshot! Step into a world of murderous mystery and enjoy a tour de force performance from award-winning composer and actor Simon Slater.

Tickets from ?23

Age guidance 14+

Photos by Marc Brenner

London, 1957. Derek Eveleigh is down on his luck, but when a mysterious envelope full of money arrives it looks like his fortunes are about to change. Derek is tasked with taking photos of an elegant young woman as she walks through leafy Holland Park. But when the job is turned upside down in a sudden, shocking turn of events, Derek must uncover the truth about this enigmatic stranger. 

Bloodshot is performed by award-winning composer and actor Simon Slater who moves effortlessly from ukulele to saxophone with even the odd conjuring trick!

''A perfect slice of nostalgia to help you escape 2020.''

Daily Info Oxford

'Compelling from start to finish... a transcendent experience''

Wokingham Today

''A remarkable performance... an ideal start to The Watermill''s indoor season.''
Newbury Theatre

Bloodshot will run until Saturday 17 October with socially distanced seating and space between household groups. Best availability for household and support bubble groups of 3, 4 and 5.  

Tickets from ?23

What do audiences say about returning to The Watermill Theatre for Bloodshot...

''An excellent evening... very careful and attentive staff and a really good play.''

''Engaging, safe and entertaining''

''Enthralling, exciting and thought-provoking.''

Bloodshot is part of The Watermill Theatre''s autumn 2020 reopening season featuring shows with smaller cast sizes, reduced capacity inside the auditorium and socially distanced seating to enable you to get back to watching the very best live theatre.

''We''re Good to Go''

The Watermill has been given ''We're Good To Go'' accreditation.  This is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

Audience members are required to wear face coverings (unless medically exempt or children under 11) when moving around The Watermill site, including in the bar and restaurant and at all times in the auditorium. Face coverings do not need to be worn when eating or drinking.

For more information about your visit and the steps we have taken to reopen the theatre safely, please click here

Thanks to Greenham Trust''s special double matched day event, a ?1 donation from you = ?3 for The Watermill Theatre!*

By supporting The Watermill Theatre today on The Good Exchange fundraising platform, a donation of ?1 will unlock ?2 in matched funding from Greenham Trust. This means your investment will triple in value immediately!

Your gift will help The Watermill get back on its feet, following four months of closure. We are now entering the next phase of our recovery and would be incredibly grateful to have your support in this special one-off fundraising event. Please click here to donate on thegoodexchange.com.

We are working hard behind the scenes to bring live theatre back to our stage and we are determined to create theatre once again that will entertain, involve and inspire you. With your support, we can do this.

Remember, Greenham Trust will double match fund your donation if made via The Good Exchange fundraising platform for one day only. Our target is to raise ?5,000, which will unlock ?10,000 of additional funding*.

Please, ACT NOW to help us ACT tomorrow. Thank you.

*cumulative donations reaching ?5,000 will release a maximum total of ?10,000 in matched funds. To be eligible for double matched funding donations must be made between 00:01 and 23:59 on Friday 24 July via The Good Exchange fundraising platform.

"It's not a bit like a car or a boat you know, it's like a bird, it's the most magical feeling I''ve ever had."

Join us and escape into a world of adventure and possibilities!

Amy Johnson has a dream, but just how far will that dream take her? As the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, Amy's career reached new heights, but the outbreak of the Second World War changed everything, and she finds herself facing her greatest challenge yet. Driven by the need to escape from one life to another, meet the people who shaped Amy''s journey from humble beginnings to become one of Britain's most influential female aviators.

Tickets from ?23

Age guidance 8+

''I''m delighted to be back at The Watermill directing Lone Flyer. We explore the life of a young woman overcoming the constraints placed upon her to achieve extraordinary things. Amy Johnson''s story of hope and adventure is a joy to tell at this unusual and unpredictable time.''

Lucy Betts - Director

Click below to watch the videos. 

Tickets from ?23

Age guidance 8+

Lone Flyer is part of The Watermill Theatre''s autumn 2020 reopening season featuring shows with smaller cast sizes, reduced capacity inside the auditorium and socially distanced seating to enable you to get back to watching the very best live theatre.

Audience members are required to wear face coverings (unless medically exempt or children under 11) when moving around The Watermill site, including in the bar and restaurant and at all times in the auditorium. Face coverings do not need to be worn when eating or drinking.

For more information about your visit and the steps we have taken to reopen the theatre safely, please click here

EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED FOR OUR OUTDOOR SUMMER SEASON!

Tickets go on sale Thursday 6 August at 10am

We are pleased to announce that we are extending our Outdoor Summer Season until Sunday 6 September! There will be more performances of The Hound of the Baskervilles, which will now run until Sunday 6 September, and Camelot, which will continue for an extra week until Saturday 5 September.

We have been overwhelmed by your support for our In The Garden Summer Season with tickets for the initial dates selling out in just 24 hours! We are delighted to be able to extend both shows and we are looking forward to welcoming you to enjoy more socially distanced live theatre in The Watermill gardens over the next four weeks.

TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY 6 AUGUST AT 10AM

Book online or call the Box Office on 01635 46044

Join us in the garden for a brand new comedy version of a Sherlock Holmes mystery and a concert performance of a classic musical...

Olivier award winner for Hamilton, Michael Jibson (Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) who has recently been seen in Quiz and 1917, will star as 'King Arthur'. Caroline Sheen, a Watermill Associate Artist, whose previous shows at The Watermill include Under Milk Wood and Crazy For You, and whose other extensive musical theatre credits include Nine to Five at the Savoy, Les Mis?rables at the RSC, and Mary Poppins on tour in the UK and US, will star as 'Guenevere'. Marc Antolin, whose credits include Little Shop of Horrors at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Singing in the Rain at Chichester and Matilda at the RSC and in the West End, will play 'Lancelot'

They are joined by a distinguished cast of actor-musicians, many of whom have performed at The Watermill previously, including Peter Dukes as 'Mordred', Chioma Uma as 'Tom', Tom Sowinski as 'Lionel', Tom Self as 'Dinadan', Sioned Saunders and Emma Jane Morton as ensemble. Making his professional debut will be 2020 graduate Damien James, as 'Sagramore'.

TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY 6 AUGUST AT 10AM

for performances of The Hound of the Baskervilles from Wednesday 19 August to Sunday 6 September and Camelot from Monday 31 August to Saturday 5 September

Book online or call the Box Office on 01635 46044

The reviews are in for Lone Flyer!

Hannah Edwards and Benedict Salter take to the stage in a 'pacey and enchanting show'.

Join us for this 'affectionate tribute' to Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific!

Tickets from ?23

Age guidance 8+

Photos by Pamela Raith Photography

''Morris' play breathes life into a genuine British heroine''

???? The Stage   

''Our imagination is borne up, up and away''

The Telegraph

''Atmospheric and done with panache''

???? Libby Purves, My Theatre Mates

''Gripping, informative and completely absorbing''

Newbury Theatre