Out & About July 2017

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“We then go back to the first-ever play
produced here 50 years ago, Dylan Thomas’
Under Milk Wood, before staging our Christmas
spectacular, The Borrowers, which promises
to be an action-packed adventure for all the
family.”
What has contributed to The Watermill’s
enduring appeal over 50 years when other
theatrical ventures have foundered?
“The quality of the work is, of course, central,”
Paul says. “And our fiercely loyal audience
have responded with an incredible sense of
ownership and love for the building.
“Plus the support of trusts, foundations, the
arts council and individuals that allow us to
keep doing what we’re doing. And taking risks
and finding new audiences.”
In the 60s, David Gollins had the vision to
create one of the smallest and most beautiful
theatres in the old mill, then in 1981 Jill Fraser
and her husband James Sargent bought The
Watermill.
She was a hard act to follow, leading its
development from a local rep to an award-
winning year-round producing theatre.
It was down to her foresight and
encouragement that the young director Ed Hall
was given a free hand in the evolution of the
hugely-innovative Propeller company.
In 2008, thanks to a three-year £3m appeal,
the trustees were able to buy the theatre, a
year after Hedda Beeby was appointed artistic
director, and she steered the theatre through
the void left by Jill’s untimely death.
Now Paul Hart is the custodian of the legacy,
so what is his vision for the future?
“I want to embed a range and variety of work.
We have a long history of producing innovative
Shakespeare plays and I feel there’s an
opportunity to build a reputation for a new,
exciting form of Shakespeare.
“Actor musicianship is at an exciting juncture
where we’re able to lead an innovative
approach to finding new ways of making work
that features music.
“And we continue to build on our outreach
work, reaching new areas of the local
community and engaging with as many people
as we can.”
The Watermill’s loyal audience might want
‘more of the same’, but it’s important for
theatres to move on, innovate and experiment.
“I think the audiences here are really up for
new ideas and experiments, but we also love
to produce shows that bring families into the
theatre.
“I think the most important thing we can be
doing is to be bringing new audiences in to
ensure the long-term sustainability of the
theatre, while continuing to produce work that
really engages all generations.
“That’s partly why I’m so passionate about the
Christmas show here and we’re really excited
about presenting the world of The Borrowers
in a theatre where it feels like you’re entering
under the floorboards.
“I love the variety of work we present at The
Watermill from new plays, Shakespeare,
musicals, revivals and community work. There
really is something for everyone here.”
Paul has the enviable bonus of living on
site. “It’s amazing. There couldn’t be a more
beautiful setting to work and live.”
But he’s not yet encountered the Watermill
ghost, reputed to be a little girl in an old-
fashioned pinafore.
“I’ve only heard the rumours. However, our
outreach director Heidi Bird is writing a play
about the ghost, which will be performed at
the theatre by more than 100 children from six
West Berkshire Primary Schools in July, so
we’ll meet properly then.”
The Watermill Theatre,
Bagnor, Newbury RG20 8AE
Box office: 01635 46044
Artistic director
Paul Hart
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