The Watermill Theatre’s Joint CEOs, Artistic Director Paul Hart and Executive Director Claire Murray, together with the entire team in Newbury, are delighted to reveal details of the first productions of 2026, alongside the return of the theatre’s Artist Development Programme, Elemental.

A Watermill Theatre and Theatre by the Lake co-production, in association with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company, Lark Rise to Candleford will open on Friday 6 February and run until Saturday 14 March, with a national press performance on Tuesday 10 February. Written and composed by Tamsin Kennard, directed by Bryn Holding and based on Flora Thompson’s beloved novel, this new adaptation promises to capture the warmth and nostalgia of the English countryside.

Paul Hart, Joint CEO and Artistic Director of the Watermill, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Theatre by the Lake on this most glorious of rural titles. Working with Bryn Holding, Tamsin Kennard and the team on bringing this elegiac and earthy story to life has already been a great pleasure and I can’t wait to see how the piece develops in these two unique theatres. I’m one of many who enjoyed the nostalgia of the TV series and have loved rediscovering Flora Thompson’s novel, which holds such richness for a theatrical retelling.”

Julia Samuels, Artistic Director (maternity cover) of Theatre by the Lake, added: “We are excited to be creating this imaginative new production of Lark Rise to Candleford with such brilliant partners and creatives. It’s a beautiful story embedded in the English countryside, and both the Watermill and Theatre by the Lake feel like perfect settings for this atmospheric tale.”

From 19 – 21 March, the Watermill Theatre Youth Ensemble will present a new adaptation of Swallows & Amazons, written by Coco Cottam, directed by Heidi Bird and designed by Emily King. Participants aged 11–25 will take on both on- and off-stage roles, with this year’s Young Creatives collaborating with King on the production’s design. A special Family Fun Day will precede the run on Wednesday 18 February, with crafts, youth theatre tasters and storytelling sessions.

The Watermill will also host the UK tour launch of Two Halves of Guinness, running from 29 – 31 January. Starring Zeb Soanes as Sir Alec Guinness, this witty and revealing play explores the actor’s remarkable life and iconic roles, from Obi-Wan Kenobi to his unforgettable Ealing comedies. Written by Mark Burgess and directed by Selina Cadell, the production is presented by Julian Bird for Green Room Ents.

Applications are now open for Elemental 2026, the Watermill’s Artist Development Programme, which will once again offer four early-career creatives the opportunity to develop their skills, expand their industry knowledge and work hands-on at the theatre. Last year’s participants gained invaluable experience across productions including The Autobiography of a Cad, The King’s Speech, Pinocchio, Piaf and Jesus Christ Superstar. The programme has been made possible thanks to the Garrick Charitable Trust, Noel Coward Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust, and the generosity of more than 100 individual donors.

Claire Murray, Executive Director, said: “Collaboration and our commitment to nurturing and investing in talent are at the heart of the work we’re announcing today. We’re delighted to welcome Zeb Soanes with his one-man show Two Halves of Guinness, and equally thrilled to partner with Theatre by the Lake for the first time on Lark Rise to Candleford. Swallows & Amazons will showcase the talent of our extraordinary youth ensemble, supported by accessible and inclusive theatre-making. And with the return of Elemental, we are proud to be investing in the development of four more emerging artists, equipping them with the tools and experience to grow their creative practice.”

Tickets go on sale to members from 6 October, with general booking opening on 17 October. Memberships are available from £35 per year.

For more information visit: www.watermill.org.uk