Spring-Summer 2014 - The Watermill Theatre

Spring-Summer 2014 The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea All My Sons Life Lessons Sense and Sensibility A Bunch of Amateurs Hardboiled

BOX OFFICE 01635 46044 www.watermill.org.uk

Welcome to The Watermill

Welcome to our new season at The Watermill. We’ve a host of exciting new shows for you and the chance to see some new work that Watermill audiences will be the very first to enjoy. From a world-class masterpiece with Arthur Miller’s All My Sons to a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved Sense and Sensibility and a brand-new comedy, A Bunch of Amateurs, we think there is something for everyone to enjoy. Watermill audiences are the best and you have shown your loyalty to this unique theatre by voting for us to be nominated as one of the seven most welcoming theatres in the country. We are hugely grateful for your continued support. That commitment is the key to keeping our theatre alive and kicking.

If you enjoy your visits to The Watermill do consider joining our Friends scheme. The support of our Friends makes a huge contribution to the theatre’s well-being and offers members special benefits including priority booking and special events (see page 22). We look forward to welcoming you to The Watermill soon

Hedda Beeby Artistic & Executive Director

The Watermill is a registered charity no. 261430 and receives core funding from

Laurel and Hardy June 2013

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Contents Friday 31 January to Saturday 15 February

The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea Page 4

Frien ds Book ’ Priority Mond ing open ay 4 s Nove mber Book in Mond g opens to ay 11 Nove all mber

Thursday 20 February to Saturday 22 March

All My Sons Page 5

An Audience With... Nicholas Parsons 10

Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 March

Poetry Reading with Brian Patten

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Life Lessons

Watermill Book Clubs

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The Box Theatre Company The Canterbury Tales Backstage Tours

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Children and Family Events

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Take Part - Children

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Take Part - Adults

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Take Part - Professionals

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Restaurant and Bar

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Supporting Your Theatre

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Become a Friend of The Watermill

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Your Visit - Accessible Theatre

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Ticket Prices

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How To Book

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Performance Diary

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Page 6 Thursday 3 April to Saturday 10 May

Sense and Sensibility Page 7

Thursday 22 May to Saturday 28 June

A Bunch of Amateurs Page 8

Tuesday 1 to Saturday 12 July

Hardboiled Page 9

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Friday 31 January to Saturday 15 February Musical Director Simon Slater

The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea

Tickets Monday to Thursday evenings, Thursday and Saturday matinées: £17 and £15 Friday and Saturday evenings: £18 and £16

Compiled by Simon Slater It’s the roaring ’20s and five stowaways set sail from England to the USA - the land of opportunities, the land where dreams come true, rags can turn to riches and romance is in the air. Join us on a musical journey across the ocean in this compilation cabaret featuring the infectious music of the period from a company that includes some favourite Watermill actor-musicians. With songs including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Making Whoopee and Night and Day, this scorching collection of intoxicating numbers will warm your heart.

See pages 26-27 for performance diary and show times

BOX OFFICE 01635 46044 www.watermill.org.uk 4

Thursday 20 February to Saturday 22 March Directed by Douglas Rintoul Designed by Hayley Grindle Lighting designed by Joshua Carr Sound designed by Helen Atkinson

All My Sons By Arthur Miller In pursuit of the American Dream, Joe Keller, a manufacturer of aircraft parts, makes a decision that has tragic repercussions. An ordinary, decent, hard-working man, he is driven to provide generously for his family. But Joe is in denial. So too is his wife, who in the aftermath of World War II, clings to the belief that their pilot son, Larry, reported lost in action, is still alive.

Tickets Monday evenings, Thursday and Saturday matinées: £15 and £14.50 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings: £24, £22 and £15 Friday and Saturday evenings: £26, £24 and £16.50 First Week Special First Thursday and Friday evenings: £15 and £14.50

An apple tree, planted in the garden as a memorial to Larry, is ripped apart in a storm. It marks the moment when the truth about the past can no longer be suppressed and the honesty or guilt of Joe’s actions finally play out. All My Sons is a moving and powerful landmark drama, the first great play from one of the finest playwrights of the Twentieth Century. See pages 26-27 for performance diary and show times


Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 March Directed by Beth Flintoff The Senior Youth Theatre is generously supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation

The Watermill Senior Youth Theatre presents

Life Lessons

Tickets £11 and £6.50

By Beth Flintoff It’s the last day of term at Ackland College and Headteacher Geoffrey Winterton just wants to get through the final day in one piece. But the orchestra keeps practising outside his office, his Head of Maths seems about to have a meltdown, and the Year 7s have staged a protest about a dead snake called Eugene. Meanwhile in the Girls’ Boarding House, fifteen year old Maddy has been peacefully asleep and snoring for nearly twenty four hours. Her baffled room-mate Laura has even tried playing Elton John at full volume, but she still won’t budge. And Maddy has an important coursework deadline, so Laura does the only sensible thing she can think of - she pretends nothing has happened. And somewhere on the A349, about fifteen miles away, a School Inspector drives relentlessly towards Ackland College, with a file full of complaints…


The Senior Youth Theatre brings you a hilarious and insanity-tinged insight into those final days at school.


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Thursday 3 April to Saturday 10 May Designed by Philip Engleheart Sponsored by

Jane Austen’s

Sense and Sensibility Adapted and directed by Jessica Swale


Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are left penniless after their wealthy uncle cheats them of their fortune. They are forced to leave the comforts of Norland Park and relocate to a cold Devonshire cottage. When a devilishly handsome stranger arrives at Barton Cottage with the rain-drenched Marianne in his arms, the Dashwood girls are convinced that their fortunes are changed forever. Whilst the sensible Elinor pines for quiet Edward Ferrars, impulsive Marianne loses herself in the idea of her hero on horseback, and for a girl who feasts on poetry and music, what else is there to do in Devon but dream of rescue?

Monday 21 April at 7.30pm

Saturday 3 May at 1.30pm

Saturday 3 May at 2.30pm

In Austen’s dearly-loved classic, we follow the fortunes of the two Dashwood sisters as they chase their dreams from Devonshire to London and back.



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Thursday 22 May to Saturday 28 June Directed by Caroline Leslie Designed by Tom Rogers Composer Paul Herbert In association with

A Bunch of Amateurs By Ian Hislop and Nick Newman From an original story by Jonathan Gershfield & John Ross


Keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero, Jefferson Steele, arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard but a sleepy Suffolk village and the cast are a bunch of amateurs. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested by the enthusiastic amateur thespians - who are not averse to a spot of ego, vanity and insecurity themselves. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself and his relationships with other people… along with his inner Lear!

Saturday 7 June at 2.30pm



This production contains occasional bad language.


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Tuesday 1 to Saturday 12 July Development process supported by

Watermill outreach touring is generously supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation Touring to village halls and arts centres from 9 - 28 June. Visit www.watermill.org.uk/ontour

Hardboiled

The Fall of Sam Shadow Created by Rhum and Clay Theatre Company and Beth Flintoff A man with ice where his heart should be, hurt more times than he’d care to count, with a list of enemies longer than a giraffe’s neck; whisky soaked, wise-cracking Private Investigator Sam Shadow is the most hardboiled of them all and he doesn’t care who knows it.

Tickets Monday evenings, Thursday and Saturday matinées: £14.50 and £14 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings: £23, £21 and £14.50 Friday and Saturday evenings: £25, £23 and £15.50 First Week Special First Thursday and Friday evenings: £14.50 and £14

Then the beautiful Scarlett Crawford sashays into his office and knocks him out of the park. She brings him what seems like the routine case of a missing sister. But there are no ordinary cases in this town, and this is no ordinary dame. Like a greyhound chasing a fake rabbit, Shadow’s investigation leads him into an underworld of double crosses, car chases, gangsters and Police Chiefs. This is a case with more twists than a Chinese burn, and who knows what’s around the next corner?


Back by popular demand after last year’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Rhum and Clay invite you to step into the farcical world of gangsters, private eyes, and femmes fatales. You’d better keep your eyes open, kid.


Friday 14 March at 2pm

Sunday 16 March at 7pm

An Audience with...

Poetry Reading

Join the famous Radio 4 voice for an afternoon of entertainment. Funny, enjoyable and a real treat, this is not to be missed..

The Ghosts On the Wall

Nicholas Parsons

Nicholas Parsons takes his audience on a humorous and nostalgic journey through the memorabilia of his long and eventful life. Seeing the funny side of every situation, he highlights with superb and often hilarious observation those events that have shaped his career. As a surprisingly excellent mimic he not only recalls these incidents and events, he re-creates them with vivid and amusing impersonations of the personalities involved. His comic timing and accurate observation creates a cast of characters that make this a wonderful afternoon of comedy, which has his audience entertained and laughing throughout. Join Nicholas afterwards in the bar for tea and cake. Tickets £30 The restaurant is open from 12 noon for lunch. Please make your reservation with the box office or online.

with Brian Patten

Using the posters and handwritten manuscripts on the walls of his study, Brian explores his past and its many ghosts. He reads from his new and earlier work and includes poems by some of the great figures with whom he has read - from Robert Graves and Pablo Neruda, to Laurie Lee, Allen Ginsberg & Charles Causley - and talks about their influences on him as a young writer making his way. His mix of serious and humorous work make him hard to equal in performance. With a reputation enhanced by each of his collections, and now translations into Italian, Spanish, German and Polish, he is acknowledged as one of Europe’s foremost poets. ‘A magic ability to turn radiant imagination loose’ The Times Tickets £12.50 and £10.50

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Watermill Book Club Our Book Club events are a great opportunity to indulge your love of books. There’s no joining fee and no need to read the books in advance. The restaurant will be open from 12 noon so that you can have lunch before the Book Club. Please make a reservation when booking your tickets.

Monday 17 March at 1.30pm

Virginia Ironside No! I Don’t Need Reading Glasses Grumpy old women meet Bridget Jones in the continuing story of Marie Sharp, who first appeared in Virginia Ironside’s bestseller, No! I Don’t Want to Join a Bookclub. Marie may be ‘getting on a bit’ but it’s certainly not getting her down. Having her family around her and a man who loves her means that life is good - but nothing stays the same for long. Marie’s golden years are filled with as much drama - love, laughter and tears - as ever. Which just goes to show that getting on a bit does not mean giving up - or even growing up. Virginia Ironside is a journalist, agony aunt and author, and a creator of the one-woman show The Virginia Monologues. She lives in London and has one son and two grandsons. ‘I once thought I was Bridget Jones and now I want to be Marie Sharp: funny, sensible, poignant, life-affirming, entertaining and oh so human. A novel that’s so good, it should be available on the NHS’ Bookbag Tickets £6

Friday 13 June at 1.30pm

James Runcie Sidney Chambers and The Problem of Evil The third in The Grantchester Mysteries series - six detective novels spanning thirty years of British history, now in development as a television series for ITV. Canon Sidney Chambers is enjoying his first year of married life with his German bride Hildegard. But life is never quiet for long. He investigates a serial killer who has a grievance against the clergy; the disappearance of a famous painting; uncovers the fact that an ‘accidental’ drowning may not have been so accidental; and discovers the reasons behind the theft of a baby from a hospital in the run-up to Christmas, 1963. In the meantime, Sidney wrestles with the problem of evil, attempts to fulfil the demands of Dickens, his faithful Labrador, and contemplates, as always, the nature of love. James Runcie is the Head of Literature at the Southbank Centre, an award-winning filmmaker and the author of six novels. ‘At last, an Anglican Father Brown... Each tale is beautifully crafted and surprising. I hope for many more volumes’ A.N. Wilson, Spectator Tickets £6

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Backstage Tours

Tales

If you’re interested in what goes on behind the scenes at The Watermill, you might like to combine your visit to see a matinée performance with a backstage tour followed by lunch. You’ll get to meet the staff, see where the actors rehearse and visit the old and new buildings that make up The Watermill. Tours will take place on the following afternoons starting at 12.30pm: Thursday 17 April Sense and Sensibility £29 Thursday 5 June A Bunch of Amateurs £29

Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 May at 7.30pm Saturday 17 May at 6.30pm

The Box Theatre Company presents an amateur production of

The Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer Adapted by Phil Woods with Michael Bogdanov

Bawdy, anarchic and lots of fun, this modern version of Chaucer’s medieval classic takes the form of a storytelling competition. Set in the present, with each tale as a stand-alone piece, linked by a Master of Ceremonies, the approach is deliberately un-academic and the aim, to entertain, with all the spirit of the original’s sense of chivalry and satire. There are nine of Chaucer’s favourite tales told here, including those of The Knight, The Wife of Bath and The Miller. And, as a finale, the audience is invited to vote on whose tale wins the competition. So, The Box ask you to join them for an evening of high (and low) drama and help decide the winner. Tickets £10 and £7

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The price includes a tour, one course meal with coffee and a ticket for that day’s matinée performance. For a tour of the theatre and a one course meal with coffee (no show), the price is £16 per person. Booking is open to individuals and groups and you can reserve your space by calling the box office on 01635 46044. Tours for school groups may be arranged on request through The Watermill Outreach department on 01635 570927 or email [email protected]

Children and Family Events Family Storytelling We all love a good story and Polly Highton certainly knows how to tell captivating tales. These family storytelling sessions are ideal for children age 4 to 11 years, and anyone who enjoys listening to tales well told.

Saturday 1 March at 10.30am and 11.30am

Children Should be Seen and not Heard Interactive storytelling that takes you on an exciting journey through Victorian England and takes a peep at the lives of young street urchins.

Saturday 8 March at 11am

Saturday 17 May at 10.30am and 11.30am

David Wood

Walk like an Egyptian

The Gingerbread Man A storytelling with magic, music and audience participation, of David’s world-famous play, book and TV series, featuring Herr Von Cuckoo, Mr Salt, Miss Pepper, the Old (Tea) Bag, the everhungry Sleek the Mouse and, of course, The Gingerbread Man! Perhaps best-remembered from his BBC TV performing days on Jackanory, Play Away and Tricky Business, David Wood OBE is also ‘the national children’s dramatist’ (The Times). His stage adaptations include James And The Giant Peach, The Tiger Who Came To Tea and the Olivier Awardwinning Goodnight Mister Tom.

Tales from the land of mummies and pyramids where the gods are feared and revered in equal measure for their temper and heroism.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes and will take place in the Lily Pond. Please bring a cushion for sitting on the floor. There will be seats available for adults if you prefer. Tickets for either session £3

‘David kept over 225 children (4-9 year olds) spellbound for nearly an hour’. Abracadabra Magazine Tickets £6

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Children and Family Events

Saturday 14 June at 11am

Comedy Club 4 Kids Since 2006, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on during the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like ‘why is that your face!?’ ‘A highlight for children in recent years, giving them a taste of some of the biggest names in comedy... with the fun, rowdy feel of a real comedy club’ The Guardian Suitable for 6 years and above. Tickets £6

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Take Part - Children The Watermill’s work reaches far beyond the theatre itself. Last year we worked with over 13,000 people from schools, businesses, community groups and individuals, all getting actively involved in the life of the theatre. Each week we welcome over 150 young people, aged from 20 months to 25 years, to take part in our thriving Youth Theatre. We also welcome over 50 adults to our regular adult programmes, Encore and Upstage. For full details about our outreach programme please visit the Take Part pages on our website, www.watermill.org.uk/takepart, email [email protected] or call Heidi on 01635 570934. The Watermill’s core education programme is supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.

Holiday Courses Comedy Workshop 10am to 4pm

Monday 17 February 8 - 11 years Tuesday 18 February 12 - 16 years Ever wanted to be a stand up? Unleash your inner comic! This is a chance to learn the techniques used by professionals and learn how to create your own comedy sketches. Price £33

Education Play in a Week Monday 7 to Friday 11 April Devise, rehearse and perform a play, all in one week! A great way to develop your skills and make new friends. No experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm!

We continue to offer an extensive education programme for schools including: • Workshops on most aspects of theatre • Free education packs to support your visit • Dynamic CPD and INSET for teachers

Price £92

For full details about our schools’ programme, or to download our education brochure, please visit the Take Part pages on our website www.watermill.org.uk

To book email [email protected] or call her on 01635 570934.

For more information or an informal chat please call Beth on 01635 570927.

Ages: 8 - 11 years (mornings) Ages: 12 - 16 (afternoons)

Musical Theatre Day Wednesday 19 February 10am to 4.30pm Learn some of your favourite songs and sequences from hit musicals. At the end of the day there will be a presentation to family and friends. Ages: 11 - 18 years Price £33

Rubies and Rockpools Schools’ Project, June 2013

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Take Part - Adults Play in a Day for Adults Sunday 9 March 10am to 5pm A chance to work on your acting skills with a trained professional from The Watermill. During this day you will create, rehearse and perform a new play, all in one day. Suitable for all levels from 18+ beginners to experienced performers. Price £33

The Watermill Scratch Choir Our fantastically popular Scratch Choir is back, offering the opportunity to spend the day with a group of like-minded people learning the songs, and then performing them in the evening in our beautiful tithe barn. Rehearsals 10am to 6pm, performance at 7.30pm.

Sunday 9 February

Hits from the 80s Booking opens Monday 9 December A selection of songs from some of the greatest artists of the eighties, including Elton John, Queen and Abba.

Sunday 22 June

Sounds of Sondheim Booking opens Tuesday 8 April Music from the writer of hit musicals such as Merrily We Roll Along and Sweeny Todd. Price each event is £29 per person Please book early to avoid disappointment. Email [email protected] or call her on 01635 570934

Adult Drama Groups We run a weekly adult drama group, Upstage, and a group for retired adults, Encore, both on a Monday. Please contact Heidi for information (details above).

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left: Encore drama group for retired adults

right: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde June 2013

Take Part - Professionals Raising Voices

Actors’ Forum

The Outreach department continues to support the work of new playwrights. Send in your work to us and we will read and respond as part of our ongoing commitment to nurture new writing talent. A professional writer/director from The Watermill team will read and respond with constructive criticism and advice.

We run a regular group once a month for local professional actors to exchange ideas and share skills.

The fee for submissions is £33 per play (to cover reader’s fees). For more information, email [email protected] or call 01635 570934.

To become a member of the Actors’ Forum please visit the Take Part pages on our website, call Heidi on 01635 570934 or email [email protected]

Training for Businesses Our bespoke arts-based training programme is flexible and highly costeffective. We offer dynamic training in communication and presentation skills, as well as unique team building activities. Please contact Beth on 01635 570927 or email [email protected] ‘We still have lovely memories of our day of peace, sanity and reflection at The Watermill.’ Senior Manager at Bayer

The core education programme is supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.

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Restaurant and Bar

Before the show A tempting selection of salads, smoked fish and cold cuts, plus hot dishes using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Available at lunch time on matinée days from 12.30pm and in the evenings Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm.

In the bar Enjoy a drink before the show with our sharing platters, including Cheese Lovers’ platter, Antipasti Assortiti and Olive and home-baked Thyme bread. We also serve chips and dips. Available in the bar and Lily Pond up to 30 minutes before curtain up and after the show.

After the show Cream teas are available after matinée performances and should be booked and paid for in advance with the box office. On Friday and Saturday evenings you can dine after the show. Choose from one, two or three courses from our menu. Please make your selection from the menu before the show. Restaurant bookings should be made in advance with the box office on 01635 46044 or online.

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The Watermill Insiders’ Lunch Our fundraising lunches are special social events and include a unique talk about the activities behind the scenes at The Watermill, shedding light on the creative process, the team and the running of the theatre. You will receive a glass of wine on arrival to enjoy during the talk. This is followed by a light lunch, coffee and a matinée performance. These exclusive events are held in the Lily Pond from 12.30pm. All My Sons Thursday 6 March Sense and Sensibility Thursday 1 May A Bunch of Amateurs Thursday 12 June Tickets from £38

Private Hire Our beautiful venue is available for you to hire. Weddings, parties, meetings and seminars may be held here during the day and on Sundays. All public areas are available to hire including the theatre, Sackler Studio and Lily Pond Courtyard, as well as the bar and restaurant. For group bookings and private hire contact 01635 570920 or [email protected]

Celebratory Packages Whether it’s for a small birthday party, a get-together with friends, or an anniversary, our celebratory packages are available before the show or in the interval for parties of ten or more. You may have a glass of Prosecco and canapés, and, for a little more, chef’s homemade celebratory cake. For further information and to book call the restaurant on 01635 570920.

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Supporting Your Theatre Watermill Facts

Your Donation Doubled!

The Watermill Theatre is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. We aim to create theatre at the very highest standard possible.

In addition to our £280,000 revenue fundraising target, The Watermill theatre has another fundraising challenge to fulfil in the next couple of years.

Last year it cost just over £3 million to produce our plays, run the theatre and deliver our education programme. We are able to generate 82% of our income ourselves through ticket sales, restaurant income and fundraising, which is a vital element of the income mix. Our revenue fundraising target for this year is over £280,000 and we need to achieve this if we are to maintain our programme of work on and off stage.

In 2012, The Watermill Theatre was lucky enough to receive a Catalyst Grant from the Arts Council. The purpose of this grant is to encourage philanthropic giving - by match funding any new or increased donation made to the theatre up until June 2015.

As a registered charity we rely on the generous support of our audience, funders, donors, Friends and sponsors. If you feel you can help in any way please call Jo Bycroft, 01635 570928 [email protected].

Our target is to raise an additional £110,000 for the theatre and we are delighted to announce that so far, we have raised an impressive £40,000 of our target. This will be 100% matched funded by the Arts Council. Our sincere thanks are given to those who have kindly donated to the Catalyst Scheme. With some £70,000 still to raise, we would love to hear from you if you feel able to help in any way. Donations, big or small, will unlock Arts Council money at a level of £1 given £1 matched. There’s no catch, just added benefit to The Watermill Theatre. For further information please contact Jo Bycroft, 01635 570928 [email protected]

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Thank You We are very grateful to all those who continue to support our artistic and education programme. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all who help, including: Accenture, Cricketts Estate Agent, Fuller’s Brewery, Horsey Lightly Solicitors, Regent Lettings, Savills Newbury, Sheepdrove Organic Farm, Cardy Beaver Foundation, The Carr-Gregory Trust, Sir Trevor Chinn CVO and Lady Chinn, The Colefax Charitable Trust, The Dyers Company, C E Eliot-Cohen Charitable Settlement, The Englefield Charitable Trust, The AW Gale Charitable Trust,The Garfield Weston Foundation, Greenham Common Community Trust Ltd, The Iliffe Charitable Trust, James Rees, The Male Family Charitable Trust, Newbury Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Payne Gallwey Charitable Trust, The Stanley Foundation, The Arts Council, England and West Berkshire Council. Special thanks go to The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation who generously support our core education programme. If you would like to help The Watermill Theatre, please contact Jo Bycroft 01635 570928 or look at our Support Us page on the website: www.watermill.org.uk/supportus

Romeo + Juliet

September 2013

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Become a Friend of The Watermill The Watermill Theatre is unique and so are the Friends that support it. Why not join us? As a Friend you become part of an active organisation and can take part in many exciting, interesting and exclusive activities and take advantage of:

Meet the Cast Parties An opportunity to meet the cast in the bar after the performance. Thursday 13 February The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea

• Priority booking (wherever possible).

Thursday 27 February All My Sons

• Free exchange or re-sale of tickets (2 exchanges for a single membership, 3 for a double).

Thursday 10 April Sense and Sensibility

• Invitations to Supper Talks, a seasonal supper in the Watermill restaurant. followed by interesting speakers such as General Sir Mike Jackson, Max Hastings and Lady Carnarvon.*

Thursday 29 May A Bunch of Amateurs

• Exclusive Meet the Cast Parties - you are invited to rub shoulders with the cast over a glass of wine after the show.* • Private Garden visits with tea and cake.*

… and lots more.

Your membership and annual donation of £30 per individual or £45 as joint donors is vital to the work we do and will allow you to play your role in supporting this special theatre. To join us, please contact the Friends Secretary: Julie Pearson on 01635 45834, email [email protected], collect a form from the box office or bar, or download an application form from The Watermill’s website. The Friends of the Watermill make an impressive financial contribution to the theatre (a registered charity). Last year we raised over £90,000 through annual donations and organised events. This helped the theatre sustain its high quality, first class performances. We look forward to welcoming you. * Additional cost applies.

The Watermill Summer Fair Sunday 1 June from 12 noon to 4pm A lovely afternoon where families and friends come together and have a great time in the beautiful Watermill gardens. There’s always plenty going on, with live music, stalls, games, delicious food and a chance to back a winning duck in our duck race on the crystal clear waters of the River Lambourn. Everyone welcome! Tickets: Adults £1 on the gate, 12 years and under FREE. Free parking but do consider car sharing please. All the revenue raised for this event goes to The Watermill.

Left: The Watermill Summer Fair

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Your Visit Accessible Theatre Please tell us about any special requirements you, or anyone in your party, may have when you book your seats. The Watermill Theatre premises are 90% accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties. There is a spiral staircase to our circle seats on the first floor and no lift, so if you need to be seated in the stalls, please let our box office staff know when you book. There are reserved disabled parking spaces near the theatre entrance which should be requested when you book your tickets. We can accommodate two people in wheelchairs per performance, subject to availability. We also have our own wheelchair available on request. There is a reduction of £2 off each ticket for both a person with disabilities and their companion on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings only.

Infrared Sennheiser hearing assistance system

British Sign Language Interpreted, Audio Described and Touch Tours

Join us online

Look out for the symbols displayed on the show information pages.

Read our online blog www.watermill.org.uk/blog

Acclimatisation visits

Subscribe to our e-newsletter via our website.

If you have not been to the theatre before, we are happy to arrange for you to come and have a look around to get your bearings when it is not busy.

Parental Guidance As a general rule, no babies or children under 3 will be admitted into the auditorium for any production unless it is a children’s show aimed at very young children. If an age limit is considered appropriate for specific shows, guidelines will be published.

Are welcome but please let us know when you book so that we can allocate appropriate seats for you in the auditorium.

Audio and large print copies of our brochure are available on request from the box office.

Laurel and Hardy June 2013

Assistance dogs

www.facebook.com/ thewatermilltheatre www.facebook.com/ watermilltheatreoutreach www.twitter.com/watermillth www.youtube.com/user/ TheWatermillTheatre

Join our mailing list You can find out what’s going on at The Watermill by joining our mailing and e-mail list. Call 01635 46044, visit our website and complete the form online or email [email protected]. Some events are arranged after the brochure has been published. We announce these in our monthly e-newsletter or by sending an e-flyer. If you want to be sure to hear about these events please let us have your email address with permission to contact you.

For people with impaired hearing, subject to availability. To ensure you are seated in areas where this is effective, please let us know you would like to use the system when booking.

For behind the scenes news and all the latest information, including last minute offers, visit our website www.watermill.org.uk

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Ticket Prices Performance

Band A

Band B

The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea Monday to Thursday evening, Thursday & Saturday matinée Friday & Saturday evening

£17 £17 £15 £18 £18 £16

All My Sons Sense and Sensibility A Bunch of Amateurs First Thursday and Friday Monday evening, Thursday & Saturday matinée Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evening Friday & Saturday evening

£15 £15 £14.50 £15 £15 £14.50 £24 (£22) £22 (£20) £15 £26 £24 £16.50

Senior Youth Theatre - Life Lessons Wednesday to Saturday evening

All tickets £11 (£6.50)

Hardboiled Monday evening, Thursday & Saturday matinée Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evening Friday & Saturday evening

£14.50 £23 (£21) £25 (£23)

The Box Theatre - The Canterbury Tales Wednesday to Saturday evening

All tickets £10 (£7)

£14.50 £21 (£19) £23 (£21)

Band C

£14 £14.50 £15.50

Concession prices are shown in brackets. There is no booking fee.

Agents Tickets can be bought from the Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place, Newbury. There is no booking fee.

Student standby All tickets £5, available from the box office from midday on the day of the show for students in full-time education and under 18s (subject to availability).

£10 tickets for under 25s For performances from Tuesday to Thursday. Proof of status required (subject to availability). Please collect your tickets from the box office 30 minutes

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prior to the performance (please note these tickets cannot be posted out).

Schools and youth groups Tuesday to Friday evenings 10% off top two price bands, applicable to school groups of 10 or more. Free teacher’s ticket with every 15 seats booked, excluding Mondays, and Thursday and Saturday matinées. Thursday and Saturday matinées all seats are £7.

Groups of 10 or more Tuesday to Friday evenings 10% off top two price bands. When you book 15 tickets you get an additional free party organiser

ticket. Schools and groups should call the box office on 01635 46044 or email [email protected] to book.

West Berkshire Residents Green Card 10% off top two price bands on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 8 to 10 April Sense and Sensibility and 27 to 29 May A Bunch of Amateurs.

Seating Plan

How To Book Please tell us about any special requirements you, or anyone in your party, may have when you book your seats.

P1

O1 AA BB

BB AA

O22

In person

A1

A12

B1

B12

C1

C12

D1

D12

E1

E12

F1

F12

G1

G12

H1

H12

J1

J11

K1

K12

L1

L1

M1

M12

N1

N11

R1

CIRCLE

CIRCLE SLIPS

CIRCLE SLIPS

STAGE AREA

Opening Times - 10am to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Bank Holidays 12 noon until 6pm (6.30pm if there is an evening show). Non-performance days 10am to 6pm.

Box office 01635 46044 During busy times, you may hear a message. Please leave your name and number and we will call you back as soon as we can.

P22

R6

Band A Band B Band C Please note that rows A, AA, B, and BB are not available for all performances. Rows O and P are galleried with two posts on either side. These seats offer a side or overhead view of the stage and are priced according to visibility.

Book online www.watermill.org.uk There is no booking fee. We do not currently provide e-tickets but you will receive email confirmation of your booking.

How To Pay Tickets can be paid for by credit or debit card, or they can be reserved for up to three days while you send a cheque or gift vouchers. Please collect your tickets from the box office 30 minutes prior to the performance. We can post your tickets to you for a charge of £1.30 (postage and handling) or you can collect your tickets from the box office. Cheques should be made payable to The Watermill Theatre Ltd. Please check your tickets carefully upon receipt to ensure you have the right number and right performance date.

Concessions Concessions are available for Senior Citizens, Job Seekers, people with disabilities and their companions, Equity members, students in full-time education and under 18s: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. All concessions and discounts are subject to availability. Only one concession applies. Proof of identity required. Concessions are not offered retrospectively.

Exchanging tickets All tickets are non-refundable. However, we are happy to exchange tickets for another performance of the same production, subject to availability, up to 48 hours before the performance. We charge £2.50 per ticket plus £1.30 p&p.

Reselling tickets We will try to resell your tickets (after all other tickets have been sold) and will refund you with Watermill gift vouchers. We charge £2.50 per transaction plus £1.30 p&p. For ticket exchanges and re-sales, please return your original tickets to the box office.

Gift vouchers Watermill vouchers can be purchased from the box office and used to buy tickets, meals, drinks or merchandise. Data protection: when processing your booking, our box office staff will ask for your name, address, telephone number and email address. This information may be used to keep you informed of forthcoming events, fundraising activities and special offers. If you do not wish your details to be used in any of these ways, please inform the box office when booking.

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Performance Diary JANUARY Fri 31 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm

Tue 11 Wed 12 Thu 13 FEBRUARY Fri 14 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sat 1 Fri 14 Mon 3 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Sat 15 Tue 4 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Sun 16 Wed 5 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Mon 17 Thu 6 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 2.30pm & 7.30pm Mon 17 Fri 7 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Tue 18 Sat 8 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 2.30pm & 7.30pm Wed 19 Mon 10 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Thu 20 Tue 11 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Fri 21 Wed 12 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Sat 22 Thu 13 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 2.30pm & 7.30pm Wed 26 Fri 14 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 7.30pm Thu 27 Sat 15 The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea 1.30pm & 6.30pm Fri 28 Thu 20 All My Sons 7.30pm Sat 29 Fri 21 All My Sons 7.30pm Sat 22 All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm April Mon 24 All My Sons 7.30pm Thu 3 Tue 25 All My Sons 7.30pm Fri 4 Wed 26 All My Sons 7.30pm Sat 5 Thu 27 All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm Mon 7 All My Sons 7.30pm Fri 28 Tue 8 Wed 9 March Thu 10 10.30am & 11.30am Sat 1 Storytelling Fri 11 Sat 1 All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sat 12 Mon 3 All My Sons 7.30pm Mon 14 Tue 4 All My Sons 7.30pm Tue 15 Wed 5 All My Sons 7.30pm Wed 16 Thu 6 All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm Thu 17 Fri 7 All My Sons 7.30pm Fri 18 Sat 8 David Wood 11am Sat 19 Sat 8 All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm Mon 21 Mon 10 All My Sons 7.30pm Tue 22

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All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm An Audience With… Nicholas Parsons 2pm All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm Poetry Reading - Brian Patten 7pm Book Club - Virginia Ironside 1.30pm All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 2.30pm & 7.30pm All My Sons 7.30pm All My Sons 1.30pm & 6.30pm Life Lessons 7.30pm Life Lessons 7.30pm Life Lessons 7.30pm Life Lessons 6.30pm

Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm

British Sign Language

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Sat 26 Mon 28 Tue 29 Wed 30

Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm

May Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Mon 5 Tue 6 Wed 7 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sat 17 Thu 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Mon 26 Tue 27 Wed 28 Thu 29 Fri 30 Sat 31

Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 7.30pm Sense and Sensibility 1.30pm & 6.30pm Canterbury Tales 7.30pm Canterbury Tales 7.30pm Canterbury Tales 7.30pm 10.30am & 11.30am Storytelling Canterbury Tales 6.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm

June Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4

A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm

Friends Meet the Cast

Talk Back

Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7 Mon 9 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sat 14 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28

A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm Book Club - James Runcie 1.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm Comedy Club 4 Kids 11am A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 7.30pm A Bunch of Amateurs 1.30pm & 6.30pm

JuLY Tue 1 Wed 2 Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat 5 Mon 7 Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12

Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 2.30pm & 7.30pm Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 2.30pm & 7.30pm Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 2.30pm & 7.30pm Hardboiled 7.30pm Hardboiled 1.30pm & 6.30pm

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How To Find Us From the M4 and the north From the M4, junction 13 (or A34 from Oxford), follow signs for Winchester and Southampton (A34). Ignoring the first turning signposted Newbury, turn off at the next junction signposted Newbury, Hungerford (Donnington, Speen) and take the first exit at the roundabout. Turn left at The Hare and Hounds public house (brown sign post for The Watermill Theatre), turn left at the end of road and next right into the village of Bagnor and left at the sign for The Watermill.

From the A34 and the south From the A34 (Winchester and Southampton), follow signs for Oxford (A34). Ignoring the first two junctions signposted Newbury, turn off at the third junction signposted Newbury, Hungerford (Donnington, Speen) and take the first exit at the roundabout, then straight over the second roundabout. Follow the instructions from the Hare and Hounds public house above.

Car Parking Please be aware that car parking space is limited. Please car-share whenever possible and help reduce the impact on the environment too.

Bicycle Rack A rack is available for bikes to park alongside the restaurant.

By bus Newbury Buses, service 4, out and return runs every two hours, Monday to Saturday from Newbury bus station to Station Road, Speen, approximately 20 minutes walk to The Watermill. The last bus to central Newbury leaves Station Road at 19.30.

By train An hour from London Paddington to Newbury station. Taxi rank at Newbury station.

Contact Us The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8AE Administration 01635 45834 Facsimile 01635 523726 Email [email protected]


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Designed and printed by kdp 01635 299507 Photographs and images

kdp, Philip Tull, Michael Wharley and Colin Willoughby. © The Watermill Theatre, 2013 All details in this brochure were correct at the time of going to press. The Watermill Theatre Ltd. reserves the right to make alterations where necessary.