A revival of the classic American musical Barnum will be the centrepiece of the 2024 season at the Watermill Theatre this summer.
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, West End, The Last Five Years, Southwark Playhouse/West End) and choreographed by Oti Mabuse who will return to the award-winning Newbury venue for the first time since her work on 2019’s Kiss Me, Kate, the production will run from 2 July until 8 September 2023.
An ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers will bring the story of PT Barnum, the 19th-century travelling circus owner known as the ‘Greatest Showman on Earth’, to life at the 200-seat venue which was recently crowned Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards.
Featuring music by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Michael Stewart and book by Mark Bramble, the vibrant Tony Award-winning musical premiered on Broadway in 1980, a year ahead of its West End debut. The original 1980 Broadway production featured a career-defining and award-winning performance from former Carry On star Jim Dale who played the title role alongside Glenn Close as Barnum’s beloved wife Charity.
Michael Crawford also won acclaim and an Olivier Award when he first stepped into the central role when the show debuted in the West End. He would go on to play the role again on tour between 1984 and 1986.
Barnum forms part of a 2024 season at the Watermill Theatre unveiled by artistic director Paul Hart and executive director Claire Murray. From 12 April until 18 May, the critically acclaimed Watermill Ensemble will re-imagine Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing as a Golden Age of Hollywood movie comedy. Adapted by Tom Wentworth and directed by artistic director Hart, the production will feature an ensemble cast of actor-musicians playing 1940s-inspired music.
The world premiere of Calum Finlay’s new comedy Fanny will follow from 23 May until 15 June. Presented by RJG Productions and the Watermill, the production will star Charlie Russell and will be directed by Katie-Ann McDonough. From 20 September-2 November, the Watermill will stage a new production of David Seidler’s The King’s Speech directed by Emma Butler (Never Have I Ever, Chichester Festival Theatre, Camelot, West End). The Watermill’s Christmas production, a new musical adaptation of the classic tale of Pinocchio, will run from 15 November 2024 until 5 January 2025.
Announcing the new season artistic director Hart said: “We have started this year having our theatre and work recognised with some amazing awards, and we’re delighted to share our next season which combines new writing and new approaches to much-loved titles.
“Our new adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, adapted by Tom Wentworth, combines the glamour and music of 1940s Hollywood with the bustle of a film set and all the secrets and trickery of Shakespeare’s classic comedies.
“We’ll be spending summer at the circus with our new production of Barnum, which will bring the joy and wonder of the magical world that PT Barnum creates whilst considering the cost of his ambition to those around him. Our multi-talented cast of actor-musicians will have the added challenge of also becoming circus performers in this brand-new version of this classic musical.
“In autumn, Emma Butler’s intimate production of David Seidler’s The King’s Speech will explore the extraordinary relationship between Bertie and Lionel, as their two very different worlds collide, and royal protocol is put to one side.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the brilliant team at RJG Productions to bring a brand-new comedy to the Watermill with the hilarious Fanny, which reveals that composer Felix Mendelssohn’s sister, Fanny, was responsible for some of his most highly regarded work.
“At Christmas, the most famous puppet in the world, Pinocchio comes to the Watermill stage in a brand-new musical adaptation packed full of a menagerie of colourful characters, puppetry and music for festive family fun.”
Executive director Murray added: “We’re excited to bring our distinctive Watermill style to a brilliant collection of plays and musicals and proud to continue to invest in new writing and adaptations as well as revivals. Our production of Barnum, featuring acrobatics and actor-musicians, will take over the whole site, immersing audiences in the thrill and spectacle of the circus – it’s going to be another fantastic summer for all the family!
“As a registered charity, fundraising is vital to our continued work and we’re delighted to add to our Friends memberships, with new levels starting from as little as £10 per month. These new levels provide opportunities for people to engage with The Watermill on a deeper level – to gain a real insight into our work, get to know us better, and really see the difference their donation is making.
“We have also introduced the Watermill Musical Circle, through which donors can support and follow the process of creating a musical from the early stages of development, into the rehearsal room all the way to the on-stage experience. We hope this will help us welcome more people to be part of The Watermill’s growing community of donors.”
Angela Thomas
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