The esteemed Watermill Theatre in Newbury is buzzing with excitement following the announcement of the full creative team set to breathe new life into an audacious production of Brandon Thomas’s timeless farcical comedy, Charley’s Aunt. This highly anticipated revival promises a fresh perspective on a beloved classic, drawing talent from across the British theatre landscape to deliver an unforgettable performance this autumn.

Originally penned by Brandon Thomas, Charley’s Aunt is a comedic masterpiece centered on the hilarious predicaments of Lord Fancourt Babberley, an Oxford undergraduate coerced by his friends, Jack and Charley, into impersonating Charley’s wealthy aunt. The plot masterfully escalates with the unexpected arrival of the real aunt and the relentless pursuit of the bogus aunt by an elderly fortune hunter, leading to a cascade of witty misunderstandings and uproarious chaos.

Leading the charge for this innovative production are Paul Hart, the Artistic Director, and Claire Murray, the Executive Director at the Watermill Theatre. Their shared vision for pushing artistic boundaries and fostering accessible theatre experiences has been instrumental in assembling this dynamic creative team, ensuring the production aligns with the theatre’s commitment to surprising, inventive, and exciting performances.

The newly unveiled creative team features an impressive roster of talents, each bringing their unique expertise to the Watermill Theatre stage. Sophie Drake takes the helm as director, promising a visionary interpretation of the play. Alex Berry is responsible for the intricate set and costume design, while Ben Jacobs will illuminate the production as lighting designer, creating the perfect atmosphere. The original score, designed to enhance the comedic timing and emotional beats, will be composed by the talented Lauryn Redding.

Director Sophie Drake expressed her profound enthusiasm, stating her delight in directing Rob Madge’s audacious reimagining of Charley’s Aunt this autumn. Her remarks hint at a production that will not only honor the play’s comedic roots but also inject contemporary relevance and a bold artistic sensibility, making it a must-see event for theatre enthusiasts.

In a significant community outreach initiative, the Watermill Theatre, in partnership with Newbury Pride, will host its inaugural “Come As You Are Night” on Monday, October 27. This special event underscores the theatre’s mission to foster inclusivity and enable access for everyone, creating a welcoming environment for all members of the community to experience the magic of live theatre.

The Watermill Theatre is renowned for its steadfast mission to create theatre that is consistently surprising, inventive, and exciting, alongside a deep-seated commitment to making its productions accessible to the broadest possible audience. This ethos permeates every aspect of their work, from artistic programming to community engagement.

This dedication to excellence and ambition has not gone unnoticed. The Watermill Theatre recently received a prestigious award recognizing its continued impact as an independent charity within British theatre. This accolade also celebrated the resounding success of its 2023 production of The Lord of the Rings, further solidifying its reputation as a beacon of artistic achievement and community spirit in the cultural landscape.