Watermill Theatre

Originally a corn mill beside the River Lambourn dating back to 1830, this derelict watermill was listed and converted into a repertory theatre in 1967. It is a low, two storey brick building with a hipped tile roof. The auditorium provides raked seating on two levels on three sides of the thrust stage. The original timber frame of the watermill has been retained and the major vertical posts now identify the width of the stage to which the wooden gallery with turned balusters returns. It retains many of its original architectural features such as the iron bound undershot waterwheel which is viewed through a screen on entry to the auditorium. A major project in 2015 to provide the theatre with geo-thermal energy has revealed some of the old workings of the mill, including the highest pulley block in the building. There are also wooden beams and corn chutes, which protrude through the lighting arrays. The theatre seats around 220 people in the stalls and a gallery. There are four dressing rooms, a bar and licensed restaurant.