Watermill Theatre |
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01635 46044. www.watermill.org.uk
The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE.
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The Little Mermaid, 26th November to 4th January
Far beyond the Cornish coast, deep beneath the rolling waves lies the magical kingdom of the Seafolk. Merryn, daughter of the Sea King, eagerly awaits her birthday – the day she sees the world above the surface for the very first time.
Drawn towards a fishing boat and longing to discover more, Merryn is captivated by a world of twinkling lights and the charm of the Landfolk’s song. When a sudden storm strikes, she saves Cadan, a young fisherman who is thrown overboard. But, whilst Merryn’s been away, her home has been thrown into turmoil, and her younger brother is missing. Heartbroken, Merryn must choose whether to take a perilous bargain, risking everything to protect those she loves.
See the reviews below.
Two Halves of Guinness, 29th to 31st January
Sir Alec Guinness’s commanding performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars secured his fame for future generations.
Yet after a distinguished career as one of Britain’s greatest actors, the double-Oscar-winning star of over 70 films feared he would only be remembered as a Jedi Knight.
Two Halves of Guinness reveals a mysterious life story worthy of the darkest Ealing Comedies, revisiting his most memorable characters and encountering a galaxy of stars along the way.
Lark Rise to Candleford, 6th February to 14th March
Surrounded by a sea of golden fields and tinkling brooks, time trickles in the hamlet of Lark Rise, moving with the gentle rhythm of the seasons. A thatched, stone cottage, a loving family, and a wish for something else, something more.
When the long-promised trip over to Candleford emerges, Laura discovers a world beyond Lark Rise, beyond the pages of her beloved books. A world which moves to a different beat, full of new characters and new opportunities. Striving to find her place, to rewrite her future, a new chapter for Laura begins.
Woven together with original music performed by an ensemble cast, this new version of Lark Rise to Candleford tells a story of cherished memories, finding your wings and the threads that bind us to home.
Swallows and Amazons, 19th to 21st March
Set sail with the Walkers for Wild Cat Island, where the adventures are daring and the schemes bold. A fierce rivalry with the Blacketts turns to fragile allegiance, in an epic battle against the mysterious Captain Flint and a race to discover the truth about the missing treasure.
Transforming the everyday into a world of extraordinary adventure, this new Watermill Theatre Youth Ensemble production celebrates the boundless possibilities of play and imagination – proof that sometimes the greatest voyages begin at home.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 26th May to 13th September
Based on the MGM motion picture, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be directed by Paul Hart, with the Watermill’s signature storytelling, inventiveness and actor-musicianship at its heart.
This new production will feature classic songs played live by an ensemble cast, including
Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Reviews of The Little Mermaid
26th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Review from the Newbury Weekly News and the British Theatre Guide
Catch this magical Cornish Tale
Watermill's actor/musicians bring a 'delightful' West Coutnry vibe to The Little Mermaid
"the cast are all highly multi-talented actor-musicians... multi-level, atmospheric set is a work of art... this delightful production is ideal for all the family"
[The full review is currently on Newbury Today and will appear here soon]
ROBIN STRAPP