The Watermill Theatre in Newbury has announced the rest of its 2024 season.
Their summer musical for 2024 will be a revival of classic show Barnum from 2 July – 8 September, featuring music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble.
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, who has recently directed the current The Other Palace theatre hit in London, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse (Kiss Me, Kate), the production will feature an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers.
From 12 April – 18 May, The Watermill’s critically acclaimed Watermill Ensemble will perform Shakespeare’s classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, adapted by Tom Wentworth and directed by Paul Hart.
From 23 May – 15 June, RJG Productions and The Watermill will present the world premiere of FANNY, a new comedy by Calum Finlay, directed by Katie-Ann McDonough, and starring Charlie Russell (The Goes Wrong Show, The Play That Goes Wrong).
The play is about Fanny Mendelssohn, sister of renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn, who wrote some of his greatest hits. When Fanny intercepts a letter addressed to ‘F. Mendelssohn’ inviting Felix to play for Queen Victoria, she decides to don his clothes and take his place. The fun and irreverent comedy celebrates classical music and – at last – recognises the work of a composer overlooked for her sex.
From 20 September – 2 November, The Watermill will stage a new production of David Seidler’s The King’s Speech, directed by Emma Butler (Never Have I Ever, Camelot); and from 15 November – 5 January 2025, The Watermill’s annual festive production will be a new musical adaptation of Pinocchio .
It has been a big year so far for The Watermill, as the venue was recently named Theatre of the Year, along with the National Theatre, at the 2024 The Stage Awards.
The Watermill’s Artistic Director and Joint CEO Paul Hart said in a statement: “We have started this year having our theatre and work recognised with some amazing awards, and we’re delighted to share our next season which combines new writing and new approaches to much-loved titles. Our new adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, adapted by Tom Wentworth, combines the glamour and music of 1940s Hollywood with the bustle of a film set and all the secrets and trickery of Shakespeare’s classic comedies. We’ll be spending summer at the circus with our new production of Barnum, which will bring the joy and wonder of the magical world that P.T. Barnum creates whilst considering the cost of his ambition to those around him. Our multi-talented cast of actor-musicians will have the added challenge of also becoming circus performers in this brand-new version of this classic musical. In autumn, Emma Butler’s intimate production of David Seidler’s The King’s Speech will explore the extraordinary relationship between Bertie and Lionel, as their two very different worlds collide, and royal protocol is put to one side. We’re thrilled to be working with the brilliant team at RJG Productions to bring a brand-new comedy to the Watermill with the hilarious FANNY, which reveals that composer Felix Mendelssohn’s sister, Fanny, was responsible for some of his most highly regarded work. At Christmas, the most famous puppet in the world, Pinocchio comes to the Watermill stage in a brand-new musical adaptation packed full of a menagerie of colourful characters, puppetry and music for festive family fun.”
Watermill Executive Director and Joint CEO Claire Murray said: “We’re excited to bring our distinctive Watermill style to a brilliant collection of plays and musicals and proud to continue to invest in new writing and adaptations as well as revivals. Our production of Barnum, featuring acrobatics and actor musicians, will take over the whole site, immersing audiences in the thrill and spectacle of the circus – it’s going to be another fantastic summer for all the family! As a registered charity, fundraising is vital to our continued work and we’re delighted to add to our Friends memberships, with new levels starting from as little as £10 per month. These new levels provide opportunities for people to engage with The Watermill on a deeper level – to gain a real insight into our work, get to know us better, and really see the difference their donation is making. We have also introduced the Watermill Musical Circle, through which donors can support and follow the process of creating a musical from the early stages of development, into the rehearsal room all the way to the on-stage experience. We hope this will help us welcome more people to be part of The Watermill’s growing community of donors.”
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