The Watermill Theatre in Newbury has announced the world premiere of Victoria: A Queen Unbound, a new play by Daisy Goodwin, creator of ITV’s Victoria.
Victoria: A Queen Unbound will play at the Watermill Theatre from 27 March to 9 May 2026.
This is Daisy Goodwin’s second play, following last year’s premiere of By Royal Appointment starring Anne Reid and Caroline Quentin.
Casting for Victoria: A Queen Unbound is to be announced.
The new play promises a fresh perspective on one of history’s greatest monarchs.
Victoria and Albert are celebrated as one of history’s great love stories. A devoted marriage with nine children, and then a young widow dedicated to his memory. At least that is the version written down. But does writing something make it true? Looking back at a young queen, this new play tells the story of a woman pregnant for most of her 20s and 30s, gradually surrendering her strength and authority to her husband, and growing increasingly lonely in her crumbling marriage.
The play is set at Osborne House in 1901. As Victoria faces the final days of her reign, she clings to her diaries, the carefully kept record of a life defined by love, duty and profound loss. Into this certainty comes her younger self, forcing the older Victoria to confront memories she’s chosen to bury and truths she’s chosen to forget.
The production is directed by Sophie Drake (The Bleeding Tree), with set and costume design by Alex Berry (Intimate Apparel), lighting design by Ben Jacobs (Oliver!) and sound design and music composition by Asaf Zohar (Ballet Shoes).
Daisy Goodwin, writer of Victoria: A Queen Unbound, said: “When Albert died, Victoria said that he had done everything for her, ‘he even used to choose my bonnets’. That sentence got me thinking about their relationship. What kind of man picks out his wife’s hats, and why would any woman, let alone a Queen, allow her husband to choose her clothes? It made me wonder if Victoria’s diaries might be the work of an unreliable narrator. I am thrilled to be working with the super talented team at the Watermill, and to be bringing this brand-new take on a familiar theme to the stage.”
Paul Hart, Artistic Director and Joint CEO of the Watermill, said: “Victoria: A Queen Unbound takes a look at one of the most famous relationships in history and takes us behind the veil as to what makes these extraordinary people tick. It’s an unflinching and deeply fascinating look at how a legacy is shaped and the joy, pain and manipulation of love. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Daisy who knows more about this subject than anyone and to be staging the world premiere of this piece. We’re also thrilled to be welcoming back Sophie Drake after her recent production of Charley’s Aunt with us.”
Last night in London, the Watermill Theatre won Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026.
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