Watermill Theatre

A producing theatre in the hamlet of Bagnor, roughly two miles north-west of Newbury, housed in a former corn mill on the River Lambourn dating to around 1830. The derelict, listed mill was converted to a theatre in 1967, and the building retains its timber frame and an iron-bound undershot waterwheel, seen through a screen at the entrance to the auditorium. Run as a registered charity, the Watermill stages its own productions across drama and musicals rather than relying on touring shows, with a record of transfers to London and further afield. The riverside site includes a restaurant and gardens, and the surrounding water meadows form part of the visit. Programming runs year-round, taking in in-house work, a young-company strand and outreach across West Berkshire. Parking is on site and advance booking is advised.