The Watermill Theatre has announced the creative team behind its upcoming production of Charley’s Aunt, a brand-new adaptation by Rob Madge.
Running from Friday 3 October to Saturday 15 November, this reimagining of Brandon Thomas’ classic farce will be directed by Sophie Drake, with a press night scheduled for Wednesday 8 October.
Following the success of My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) and a standout performance as Emcee in Cabaret, Rob Madge brings a fresh, queer-infused perspective to the beloved comedy.
Charley’s Aunt promises a celebration of identity and joy, while staying true to its Victorian roots.
Rob Madge said:
“I am thrilled to be adapting Brandon Thomas’ hysterical play for the Watermill. It already has all the ingredients of a classic farce – star crossed lovers, mistaken identities, belly laughs galore – so we are very lucky to have that as a foundation. It’s been my job to bring it bang up to date, whilst retaining the integrity of the original – don’t worry, we are still setting the piece firmly in Victorian England but there might be one or two surprises along the way. I can guarantee a night of laughs, joy and PRIDE! Hope you can come to the party!”
Director Sophie Drake added:
“I’m delighted to be directing Rob Madge’s audacious reimagining of Charley’s Aunt at the Watermill this autumn. Farce is able to expose the masks we wear – of class, gender, decorum – with surprising clarity, and Rob’s adaptation allows us to witness the absurdity of such practices. This adaptation honours Brandon Thomas’ original structure while reframing it through a contemporary, queer lens, allowing the story’s deeper resonances to emerge without losing its sense of play. We’ve kept the period setting but allowed theatricality to take centre stage: pop music, eclectic and vibrant design all serve the sharp comedy and heighten the emotional truths beneath the artifice. The Watermill’s intimate space is the perfect home for a play in which the line between performance and reality blurs, where what begins as chaos slowly reveals something tender, political, and unmistakably human. I can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
The creative team includes Set and Costume Design by Alex Berry, Lighting Design by Ben Jacobs, and a new score composed by Lauryn Redding, returning to the Watermill following her work on Three Hens in a Boat.
As part of a partnership with Newbury Pride, the Watermill will host its first “Come As You Are Night” on Monday 27 October. Guests are invited to attend as their most authentic selves, with drinks and nibbles from 6pm and individual bathrooms available for changing before and after the show.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
