The Watermill Theatre Names New Associate Artists: Rosalie Craig, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe & More

Paul Hart, The Watermill's Artistic and Executive Director, has today announced the appointment of five Associate Artists for the West Berkshire producing theatre; George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, Rosalie Craig, Johnny Flynn and Tom Attenborough.

The Watermill, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2017, will work with its new Associate Artists to shape the theatre's future work and artistic ambition.

Paul Hart commented:
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be welcoming our five new associates to the team, each of whom bring such a broad range of expertise and talents. Our Associate Artists all have a special connection with The Watermill and as we approach our milestone 50th anniversary next year, it's really exciting to have them on board as we develop the work of the theatre in the coming years."

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe commented: "We were delighted and honoured to be invited to become Associate Artists of The Watermill. In May 1989 our first professionally produced musical, Just So, was staged as a co-production between The Watermill and Cameron Mackintosh. It was our introduction to this enchanting venue and over the ensuing years we returned to Bagnor again and again, either together or independently, with our productions of Moll Flanders, The Card, and Honk!

"We were instantly taken by Paul Hart's enthusiasm, both for the magical venue and for nurturing new musical theatre productions. Paul recently helped us select a winning musical for the inaugural Stiles and Drewe Mentorship Award, and we very much hope that, having reconnected with The Watermill, we will soon be returning to this little gem of a theatre in whatever capacity Paul would like - even selling ice creams in the interval!"

Rosalie Craig, who performed at The Watermill in her early career added: "I am so pleased to be reigniting my connection with The Watermill. I had a brilliant time there working on The Firebird, Hobson's Choice and Dreams From The Summer House. The theatre provides incredible opportunities for young actors to work on top-notch shows and I can't wait to be a part of this new era at the theatre."

Actor, musician and composer, Johnny Flynn, who performed at The Watermill in Propeller's Twelfth Night and Taming of the Shrew and whose music was used in Paul Hart's inaugural production as Artistic Director; Romeo and Juliet added:

"I'm delighted to be reconnecting with a theatre that I care about. It's such a brilliant space for investigating approaches to live music alongside quality drama and I'm thrilled to be part of that."

Tom Attenborough, who directed The Watermill's recent production of Alan Bennett's Untold Stories, said:

'I'm thrilled to be a part of the future of this unique building under Paul Hart's exciting tenure, and to create theatre that provokes and engages while utilising the beautiful space in which we are fortunate enough to work.'

The final show of Paul Hart's first season at the Watermill; Watership Down opens this week directed by Adam Penford with an ensemble featuring Edward Bennett as Holly and General Woundwort.

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