The Watermill’s 2025 summer musical will be a revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Paul Hart, with set and costume design by David Woodhead, choreography by Anjali Mehra, and musical supervision and orchestration by Stuart Morley plays from 24 June – 21 September.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
Spilling out of the theatre into the gardens, be immersed into the heart of this epic 1970s rock score, with an incredible cast of actor-musicians seamlessly fusing these classic roles with iconic music including “Superstar”, “Gethsemane” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”.
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Elsewhere in the new season at The Watermill
Charley’s Aunt
Premiering at the Watermill, Friday 3 October – Saturday 15 November, Brandon Thomas’ riotous farce Charley’s Aunt is given a glamorous glow-up in a new adaptation by Rob Madge, the award-winning creator of My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?), directed by Sophie Drake.
Two scheming students, Charley and Jack, must circumnavigate the curmudgeonly Uncle Stephen to declare their feelings to love interests Amy and Kitty. The promised arrival of Charley’s Aunt gives them an opportunity and the best laid plans are set. One delayed arrival, one fortuitous arrival and lots of classic comic confusion later, the champagne is finally poured at a dinner party to remember.
Mistaken identities, new identities and the discovery of true identities; will love – old and new – triumph through it all?
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The Little Mermaid
From Wednesday 26 November to Sunday 4 January, the Watermill’s annual festive production is The Little Mermaid, by Lara Barbier, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, directed by Elgiva Field, with songs by Amie Parsons of True Foxes. This new Watermill production weaves together salty sea air, folk and sea shanty inspired songs and an ethereal world below the waves for Christmas 2025.
Far out in the ocean, deep beneath the waves, is a colourful kingdom bursting with flowing flowers, glittering shells and flittering fish. The Little Mermaid, daughter of the Sea King, eagerly awaits her birthday – the day she sees the world above the surface for the very first time.
The Little Mermaid discovers a world of twinkling lights, crashing waves, and jolly music. Drawn towards a ship, she rescues a young man with dark eyes and two prop legs, instead of a shimmering tail.
Longing to join him, the Little Mermaid’s thoughts stray to the world above the sea, as she dreams of life on land. Confronted by a deal with the scheming Sea Witch, the Little Mermaid must choose whether she’s willing to risk everything in the pursuit of love.
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Priority booking opens for Members from Thursday 6 March, with memberships starting at £35 for the year. Email subscribers booking opens on Tuesday 25 March, with general booking opening the following day on Wednesday 26 March. Tickets for the season start at £15 and can be booked online at watermill.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01635 46044.
