More accolades for Newbury’s Watermill as it scoops nine theatre awards

Wow! The Watermill theatre has just scooped nine – yes nine BroadwayWorld UK Awards.

And the theatre’s joint CEO Paul Hart picked up two director awards.

Despite a 100 per cent cut its £450,000 Arts Council England funding, the 200-seat producing theatre has enjoyed a fantastic year.

Joint CEO Claire Murray said: “Knock me down with a feather! Nine bloomin’ awards for the magnificent Lord of the Rings. Couldn’t be more proud of everyone who made the Shire so magical last summer.”

The 2023 Regional Awards honour regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2022 until September 30, 2023. This year the BroadwayWorld Regional Awards were bigger and better than ever, including more than 100 cities across the US, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.

The awards for the Bagnor theatre were for:

Best Direction of a New Production of a Musical: Paul Hart - THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best Direction of a New Production of a Play: Paul Hart - NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND - The Watermill, Newbury

Best Costume Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical: Simon Kenny - THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best Lighting Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical: Rory Beaton - THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best Musical Direction of a New Production of a Play or Musical: Mark Aspinall - THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best New Production of a Musical THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best New Regional or Touring Production: THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best Set Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical: Simon Kenny -THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Best Video Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical: George Reeve - THE LORD OF THE RINGS - The Watermill, Newbury

Ms Murray added: “We are so proud of the amazing cast, crew and creative teams we worked with last year.

“And a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us… we’re blown away.”

Paul Hart and Claire Murray, were recently named in The Stage 100 2024, putting them among the most influential people in the industry. Visit newburytoday.co.uk/news/watermill-s-joint-chief-executives-named-in-the-stage-100-9348825/ to read more.