The Mill at Sonning is delighted to announce its next season of productions from July 2017 to January 2018. Brian Blessed returns to direct Agatha Christie's most enthralling and entertaining thriller "SPIDERS WEB" from Thursday 6 July to Saturday 26 August 2017. This is followed by the hilarious "PERFECT WEDDING" that will leave you aching with laughter from Thursday 28 September to Saturday 18 November. This year's Christmas musical "MY FAIR LADY" - the story of Eliza Dolittle which has captive audiences for decades - runs from Wednesday 23 November 2017 to Saturday 27 January 2018 and finally father and son team Simon Williams and Tam Williams return to The Mill with their production of the Sherlock Holmes mystery "THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES" from Thursday 1 February to Saturday 17 March 2018.
"SPIDERS WEB": Thursday 6 July to Saturday 26 August 2017
Agatha Christie's "SPIDERS WEB" is directed by Brian Blessed, with Set Designs by Dinah England and Costume Designs by Natalie Titchener.
"Suppose I were to come downstairs one morning and find a dead body lying here, what would I do?" wonders Clarissa. And lo and behold, as is the way with all good Agatha Christie thrillers, she soon finds out. Clarissa has a vivid imagination but not even she could be prepared for the moment she stumbles upon a bloody corpse. Desperate to dispose of the body before her husband comes home with an important foreign politician - a man on his way to secret talks at 10 Downing Street! - Clarissa persuades her three house guests to become accessories and accomplices. But then the web of deceit becomes even more tangled as a mysterious phone-call tips off the police and brings the determined Inspector Lord to the scene. Clarissa soon realises he is convinced that one of them is the killer and finds her talent for storytelling put to the test as she fights to keep her friends and family from suspicion. At the same time her own life is in dire danger as the search for the real murderer comes closer and closer to being revealed.
An evening complete with intrigue, lies, murder and mystery!
"PERFECT WEDDING": Thursday 28 September to Saturday 18 November 2017
"PERFECT WEDDING" is written by Robin Hawdon and will be Directed by Ron Aldridge; with Set Design by Tony Eden and Costume Design by Natalie Titchener.
Imagine... A bridegroom wakes in the bridal suite on his wedding morning, with his bride-to-be about to arrive at any moment, and finds beside him - a naked girl. What's more, an extremely attractive naked girl whom, in the depths of his post stag night hangover, he can't remotely remember having been introduced to.
Imagine also that during the ensuing panic to get the stranger dressed, the bride arrives and the girl is trapped in the bathroom.
Imagine further that the only way out of the dilemma is to persuade the best man to pretend that the hidden girl is his girlfriend but that his real girlfriend is to be kept ignorant of the fact!
By the time the bride's parents and half the hotel staff get in on the act the chaos reaches nuclear proportions.
This hilarious play moves at the speed of light with a riot a minute that will leave you aching with laughter. The perfect medicine for all those thinking of getting married!
"MY FAIR LADY": Wednesday 23 November 2017 to Saturday 27 January 2018
Directed and choreographed by Joseph Pitcher "MY FAIR LADY" has Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner; Music by Frederick Loewe with Musical Direction and Arrangement by Charlie Ingles. "MY FAIR LADY" is adapted by George Bernard Shaw's play and Gabriel Pascal's Motion Picture "Pygmalion".
The story of Eliza Dolittle - the Cockney flower girl who speaks in 'yowls' and not 'vowels', plucked off the streets of London by the arrogant Professor Higgins declaring he can pass her off as a Duchess in six months - has rightfully captivated audiences for decades.
Add to this an unforgettable score including songs Wouldn't It Be Loverly?, On The Street Where You Live, I Could Have Danced All Night and Get Me To The Church On Time and My Fair Lady's phenomenal success worldwide is readily understood.
Following the record-breaking success of "HIGH SOCIETY" last Christmas, The Mill is delighted to welcome back the same creative team: Director & Choreographer Joseph Pitcher along with Musical Director Charlie Ingles.
"MY FAIR LADY" promises to be a truly momentous production. This is a theatrical event not to be missed!
"THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES": Thursday 1 February to Saturday 17 March 2018
Directed by Tam Williams "THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES" is written by Arthur Conan Doyle and adapted for the stage by Simon Williams.
An age-old curse...A ravenous monster...Can Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson solve the terrifying mystery before it's too late?
Sir Charles Baskerville dies in strange circumstances. A look of fear and terror on his face. Legend has it there is a curse on the family - a curse in the form of a gigantic, ferocious, glowing Hound of Hell - that brings death to each successive head of the Baskerville family.
And when Sir Henry Baskerville returns from overseas to claim his inheritance and property on the treacherous terrain of darkest Dartmoor, he calls on the renowned Sherlock Holmes to help him solve the riddle of his uncle's violent death. Is there really a revenge-seeking Hound? Or are there other evil motives at work?
Holmes and Watson's most chilling case is brought imaginatively to the stage in the style of the West End hit THE 39 STEPS. This legendary plot has been given a new life by father and son team, Simon and Tam Williams.
Be prepared to be shocked, scared and laugh out loud as the curse of The Baskervilles takes hold and unfolds before, beside and all around you.
All tickets include a two-course meal, a show programme, tea and coffee and free parking.
Evening performances begin at 8.15pm and matinee performances begin at 2.15pm. For matinee performances lunch is served from 12.15pm - 2.00pm and for evening performances dinner is served from 6.15pm - 8.00pm.
About The Mill at Sonning:
Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, The Mill at Sonning promises a unique experience not to be missed where your visit includes both dinner and a show all under one roof in a beautiful converted water mill.
Start your visit with a drink (or two...) in the Waterwheel Bar or, if you visit us in the summer, take a sunny seat outside on the Mill Stream Terrace. From the bar, you will make your way upstairs to our restaurant, with views out over the mill stream, where you will find your tickets and programme waiting on your table. The main course is served in buffet style but our friendly staff will be on hand to take your drinks and dessert orders. After enjoying our mouth-watering menu, prepared daily in our kitchens using only the best locally sourced ingredients, you can make your way into the main event of your visit - the theatre!
The Mill Theatre itself is an intimate venue, seating just over 200 people, air conditioned with spacious and comfy seats that won't leave you longing for legroom or calling for a cushion. During the year, we produce a wide variety of plays in the theatre, ranging from comedies to thrillers, as well as hosting regular music and comedy nights that will have you dancing and rolling in the aisles.
Whatever your tastes, in both theatre and food, you will be sure to find something to whet your appetite here at The Mill.
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