Watermill Theatre, Newbury – until 14th March 2026
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
5*****
I attended the production with my 14-year-old daughter, and what an absolute treat it was for us both. From the very first moment, we were completely drawn in.
The set beautifully captured what life might have been like in rural Oxfordshire at the end of the nineteenth century — simple yet incredibly effective and wonderfully versatile. We especially loved watching the cast sing while seamlessly moving furniture between scenes; it felt fluid, natural, and added to the charm of the performance.
The characterisation was outstanding. The cast transitioned effortlessly between roles, convincingly portraying characters ranging from very young to very old. Their adaptability and attention to detail made each character feel distinct and believable.
For us, the star of the show was Laura, played by Jessica Temple. She carried the narrative with such grace, guiding us through her story with warmth and authenticity. Her performance was deeply emotive, particularly in the final scene following her brother’s death at war — a moment that was truly moving. We also adored Edmund, played by Alex Wilson, whose comic timing was impeccable. The scene in which he and Godfrey (Zrey Sholapurkar) played the young girl cousins was a particular highlight and had us thoroughly entertained.
We always love visiting the Watermill — such an intimate, quaint theatre with a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. This production felt perfectly suited to the space.
I had initially wondered whether my 14-year-old might find the show a little slow, but when I asked her afterwards, she replied, “Not at all.” As a young teenager, she really connected with Laura’s journey of self-discovery and finding her place in the world.
A truly delightful and thoroughly engaging production — not to be missed.
The show can also be seen at Theatre by the Lake 26 March – 18 April