Reading Rep Theatre are proud to present their largest season of work that places the UK’s most exciting theatrical voices at the heart of its programme. The 2024-25 season marks Reading Rep’s biggest and most ambitious to date, taking well known stories and turning them on their head, provoking inspiration, imagination and cultural discussion.
The season will include four shows written by women, three co-productions with world-class theatres and two family, educational outreach offers. Reading Rep: ReImagine marks Reading Rep’s 14th year of producing outstanding contemporary theatre that places Reading at the heart of the national cultural landscape.
A long-awaited collaboration with Newbury’s award-winning Watermill Theatre brings Camille Ucan’s exceptional play Three Hens in a Boat to the stage from 1-17 May 2025: a fascinating, hilarious and provoking adaptation of the Jerome K. Jerome’s beloved novel ‘Three Men in a Boat’, which inspired the acclaimed BBC TV series.
Harriet Madeley, who first worked with Reading Rep as the writer of the sell-out production of Hedda Gabler in 2023, will return this Autumn by bringing the critically acclaimed show Outpatient to Reading Rep from 15-19 October, after a sell-out run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Outpatient is a witty, powerful comedy, about a woman given an untimely death sentence all too early. For its Fringe run, the production won The Summerhall Lustrum Award Winner for Unforgettable Theatre.
In the New Year, Reading Rep will bring their first co-production with London’s Jermyn Street Theatre to the main stage, celebrating a decade long working relationship with Genesis Future Directors Award winner Annie Kershaw, who will return to Reading Rep directing Jean Genet’s classic – The Maids. The new production will run in Reading from 28 January – 8 February.
Reading Rep is proud to work with incredible collaborators across this season, including the Orange Tree Theatre and Guildford Shakespeare Company in bringing their fantastic project Shakespeare Up Close to Reading audiences on 9 November. Their productions of Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet will inspire a whole new generation of audiences to engage with Shakespeare’s seminal works.
Reading Rep has forged a legacy with its Christmas production, selling out to enthusiastic audiences and families across Berkshire. Anna Wheatley’s adaptation of the beloved Hans Christian Andersen story The Snow Queen will take up the mantle as this year’s festive spectacular, spreading joy and connecting generations from 29 November – 31 December.
Sam Amestoy writes a classic children’s tale called Rainbow Rescue, which will enlighten and engage families in an accessible way at Reading Rep from 20-22 February.
Reading Rep is so thrilled and proud to nurture emerging talent – and their 2024-25 programme reflects our commitment to shining a light on exceptional theatrical voices, in reshaping and reimagining the most classic tales to inspire and enlighten audiences today.
Paul Stacey, Founding Artistic Director of Reading Rep Theatre, said of the season, “I am thrilled to present our 2024/25 season of work. A programme that places Reading at the heart of the national theatre-making landscape, working with exciting names, extraordinary talent and stellar co-producers. Reading is, proudly, a cultural hub for the UK, and our 24-25 season reflects that. We remain committed as ever to supporting and nurturing emerging talent, and engaging meaningfully with audiences, both in Reading and across the country”
Priority booking for members will open on Thursday 5 September at midday. General On Sale will begin on Saturday 7 September at midday.
