The Watermill in Newbury announces summer season
Photo credit: Eden Harrhy
The Watermill in Newbury has announced its summer season of outdoor performances, commencing on 21 May.
Revisiting its socially distanced methods of last year, including table seating of between two and six people, The Watermill will reopen with hit comedy The Hound of the Baskervilles, running until 19 June and directed by Abigail Pickard Price.
Following this will be a new actor-musician production of As You Like It, adapted by Yolanda Mercy and directed by the venue’s artistic director Paul Hart. The classic Shakespeare play will be given a contemporary feel with music from the likes of Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, and many more. This will play from 24 June-24 July.
Then from 30 July-4 September, the venue will present a semi-staged concert version of hit musical Just So by Stiles & Drewe, directed by Pickard Price.
Paul Hart said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce another joyous summer season after the sell-out success of last year. Audiences absolutely loved our production of The Hound of the Baskervilles which was devised in the midst of the pandemic. I was struck by the idea of a group of individuals trying to solve a murder whilst observing social distancing measures(!) and we’re delighted to bring back the production for a very limited run.
“The rest of the season integrates themes of the environment and sustainability, an issue we’re really passionate about, not least because of our stunning location which backs onto a nature reserve in the heart of the Berkshire countryside.
“Our Shakespeare ensemble return with a radical new version of As You Like It which focuses on the importance of connecting with nature and as ever, will be filled with glorious music performed live by our cast. After this we’ll be presenting a very special concert performance of our summer musical, Just So. The show began its life at The Watermill to great acclaim in 1989. It feels like a perfect moment to celebrate this uplifting musical and to bring it to life once again, this time in our beautiful gardens!
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome back audiences and to be creating brilliant theatre again.”
Casting will be announced in due course.
Tickets go on general sale on 11 May 2021 here.
