The Watermill Theatre has been named Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026 and will mark the achievement with the world premiere of Victoria: A Queen Unbound, a new play by Daisy Goodwin, creator of ITV’s Victoria.
The production runs from Friday 27 March to Saturday 9 May, with a national press night on Tuesday 31 March at 7pm.
Set in Osborne House in 1901, the play explores Queen Victoria’s final days as she clings to her diaries, confronting memories and truths she has long buried. It offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most famous monarchs, questioning whether the version of events written down is the whole truth.
Daisy Goodwin said, “When Albert died, Victoria said that he had done everything for her, ‘he even used to choose my bonnets’. That sentence got me thinking about their relationship. What kind of man picks out his wife’s hats, and why would any woman, let alone a Queen, allow her husband to choose her clothes? It made me wonder if Victoria’s diaries might be the work of an unreliable narrator. I am thrilled to be working with the super talented team at the Watermill, and to be bringing this brand-new take on a familiar theme to the stage.”
The creative team includes director Sophie Drake, set and costume designer Alex Berry, lighting designer Ben Jacobs and sound designer and composer Asaf Zohar. Casting will be announced soon.
Paul Hart, Artistic Director and Joint CEO of the Watermill, said, “Victoria: A Queen Unbound takes a look at one of the most famous relationships in history and takes us behind the veil as to what makes these extraordinary people tick. It’s an unflinching and deeply fascinating look at how a legacy is shaped and the joy, pain and manipulation of love. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Daisy who knows more about this subject than anyone and to be staging the world premiere of this piece.”
The Watermill also confirmed that Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio will return for Christmas 2026, adapted by Simon Reade with music and lyrics by Chris Larner. The festive production runs from Wednesday 25 November to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
