Launch 11 August 2026
Presented by Artistic Directors – Sally Hughes & Adam Rolston
The Mill at Sonning, written by Marcia Spiers
The Mill at Sonning launched its new season to a packed audience, marking an exciting new chapter for the much-loved riverside theatre and dining venue. After a challenging year for many arts organisations, The Mill — converted from a watermill into a theatre 44 years ago — is looking firmly ahead, supported by a new consortium committed to steering it into the future.
Set on the banks of the Thames, The Mill remains one of the area’s most distinctive cultural venues. The historic building demands constant care and presents accessibility challenges, but its charm, community value and role in supporting young people into work make it a vital part of local life across Sonning, Reading and South Oxfordshire.
The venue is also broadening its offer beyond theatre, with live music, magic, comedy, afternoon teas and children’s entertainment all part of the programme. Plans are also in place to widen its appeal further and improve accessibility and restroom facilities.
Among the key announcements was the introduction of show-only tickets, which will sit alongside The Mill’s traditional dining and theatre packages. The move should open the venue up to a wider audience and offer greater flexibility for theatre workers. The Mill has also appointed Elegant Cuisine as its new catering and hospitality partner. With more than 50 years’ experience in dining, hospitality and events, the company brings a fresh opportunity to connect food and performance more closely. The new chef, who comes with excellent credentials, is keen to take the existing team forward on this next stage of the journey.
The newly announced season offers a strong and varied line-up:
- Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, runs from 4 September to 31 October 2026.
- Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, based on the original book by P. G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, runs from 19 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
- Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, a fast-paced physical comedy adapted from P. G. Wodehouse by the Goodale Brothers and directed by Sally Hughes, runs from 4 February to 21 March 2027.
- I Ought to Be in Pictures by Neil Simon is a revival of an uplifting comedy about second chances, forgiveness and the people who matter most, with a wonderful father-and-daughter cast. It runs from 8 April to 23 May 2027.
- The Island, a brand-new musical based on Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel, will have its world premiere at The Mill. It runs from 10 June to 15 August 2027. I am not missing this one — it is one of my favorite novels!
- I’ll Be Back Before Midnight by Peter Colley is a stage thriller running from 9 September to 31 October 2027.
And finally…
- Kiss Me, Kate, Cole Porter’s musical comedy, runs from 19 November 2027 to 19 January 2028.
With an ambitious programme, new ticketing options and refreshed hospitality plans, The Mill is clearly entering its next chapter with energy and purpose. This is a theatre full of character, producing work of a high standard, and it deserves every support as it continues to thrive on the banks of the Thames.