Annual Review 2012 /1 3
A Gigantic Achievement! 2012/13 has been one of our best financial years to date. We have enjoyed great success at the box office and grateful thanks are due to our ever loyal audience and the huge support we receive from sponsors, donors, Friends, staff and artists. Attendance for the year was excellent averaging just over 85% for main house productions. 69,000 people saw a show at The Watermill Theatre with a further 30,400 seeing a Watermill production on tour in the UK. In this year, we produced: • 7 main house shows • 1 outreach tour to 25 rural venues • 1 mid-scale tour to 12 theatres • 1 schools production to 34 schools • 2 youth theatre productions We also offered a range of additional activities including Book Clubs, one-off shows for children and a number of special Friends events.
‘It’s just amazing, standing on that stage and thinking ‘wow, I’m actually doing this!’ Senior Youth Theatre
Outreach & Education
“There is nothing like drama for bringing young people together, and it kindles their interest in the theatre from a young age.” Senior Youth Theatre parent
Our success extends to Outreach and Education work, with 13,250 participants taking part in a huge variety of activities, including: • Waterminis (for the under 5s) • Junior Youth Theatre • Senior Youth Theatre • Encore (regular drama workshops for older people no longer in full-time work) • Upstage (weekly drama group for adults) • Raising Voices (script reading service) • Actors’ Forum (support network for local professional actors) • Business Training Courses • Holiday Courses for children of all ages • Family Fun Days • Scratch Choirs • Schools workshops and bespoke teacher training • Student work placements • A large-scale community Shakespeare performance • Young Company • Associate Youth Theatre Our core education and outreach work is kindly supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.
Of Mice and Men
EXCEEDED
By John Steinbeck
“It’s hard to think of a play more perfectly calibrated to tug at the heart-strings than this one.” The Good Review ***** Exceeded Box Office “…a final dramatic, emotional and moving ending that leaves you in a Target state of disbelief and tugs at your heartstrings. Highly recommended.” The British Theatre Guide “This is a beautifully subtle interpretation of Steinbeck’s classic and a memorable production.” WhatsOnStage.com
Love on the Tracks
EXCEEDED
By Richard Attlee Inspired by the short stories of Anton Chekhov In association with Big Olive Productions
Exceeded Box Office “This play, without doubt, shows what English humour is all about: Target classy, witty, understated and not overtly played-for-laughs. After its short run at The Watermill, the production will be touring rural venues - what a treat those audiences have in store.” The Public Reviews “...a lightly farcical and endearingly romantic piece of theatre” The Stage
“In the intimacy of that tiny theatre, we were part of his story, and all felt we‘d seen something special…all contributing to an evening of exceptional theatre.” Daily Info
“It is an absolute treat, a truly first class production filled with ingenious action, impeccable acting and inventive direction by Michael Woodwood.” The British Theatre Guide
“Can’t explain how amazing that was! Cried my eyes out! Wow!” Audience Member
“A delight from start to finish. Warm, inventive, touching, brilliantly observed and acted. Thank you” Audience Member
Ben Hur
EXCEEDED
Based on the novel by General ‘Lew’ Wallace Written by Patrick Barlow with Sean Foley
Thoroughly Modern Millie
EXCEEDED
Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan New Music by Jeanine Tesori, New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan
Exceeded “...one of the funniest evenings in the theatre this decade.” Box Office What’s On Stage ***** Target “This is perfectly calibrated comedy.” The Good Review *****
Exceeded “Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Watermill Theatre is intoxicatingly Box Office uplifting and features a gifted cast.” The Telegraph Target “Musical Millie’s a dippy delight on stage.” The Daily Mail
“This stellar cast of four perform the epic Ben Hur…and it is an absolute triumph, a hilarious romp through Roman times with laughs from beginning to end.” The British Theatre Guide
“This is a high-energy exuberant production that has the feel-good factor in abundance.” The British Theatre Guide
“...the Watermill is the master of executing small scale productions with a big impact.” The Stage
“Entering the auditorium for a first look at Tom Rogers’ extraordinary set is just the start of this thoroughly delightful experience.” What’s On Stage *****
“A fantastic evening’s entertainment. Brilliantly acted, a superb production and utterly hilarious.” Audience Member
“If this Production was entered in the Olympics it would be worthy of a Gold Medal…” Audience Member
The Tempest
Arabian Nights
“The metaphors work on whichever level you choose, but one thing’s for sure - it’s a magical experience.” The Stage “Director Paul Hart’s bold, modern-dress production of The Tempest is sheer magic” The British Theatre Guide
“… as welcome and snug as a Christmas stocking.” The Times Exceeded “A delightful evening of storytelling awaits the audience in a very Box Office traditional style mixed with the usual Watermill resourcefulness and Target originality.” The Stage
“this interpretation is fresh and powerful, packed full of emotion.” Marlborough People
“The Watermill Theatre’s Christmas show Arabian Nights is a delicious slice of Turkish Delight’. The British Theatre Guide
“…what a storm The Watermill conjures up!” Daily Info
“This is two hours of pure unadulterated joy for the whole family; a perfect festive treat.” Public Reviews
By William Shakespeare
“Really enjoyed the performance - what energy!” Audience Member
EXCEEDED
By Toby Hulse
“Arabian Nights is a wonderful Christmas treat.” Marlborough People “Wonderful show - talented cast. Loved it.” Audience Member
Special Projects This year we ran arts-based projects with a variety of different groups including: • Adults with physical and learning disabilities, frailty and dementia • Students not in mainstream school aged 12-14 years • Young people aged 13-18 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder • Sufferers of Alzheimer’s and their carers • Interview Skills for job seekers • Communication skills for vulnerable families
Sleuth
EXCEEDED
By Anthony Shaffer “This is a fast paced, high-energy production that is thoroughly enjoyable Exceeded and is undoubtedly a must-see show.” The British Theatre Guide Box Office “… Attlee and Spencer ignite the stage, sparking off each other as the Target advantage see-saws between them, and the menace and tension are unsettlingly real, enhanced by Isobel Waller-Bridge’s suspenseful music and sound design and Nick Richings’ mood-changing lighting.” What’s On Stage ***** “… a production that remains gripping throughout.” The Good Review **** “An amazingly skilled performance. Stunning and intriguing!” Audience Member
Other Achievements • Our Friends committee raised over £90,000 for the theatre • Ticket prices remain affordable starting at just £14 • Our restaurant generated a net of income of over £85,000 • 81% of income was earned from direct theatre activities and fundraising initiatives
This year we received a Catalyst grant from the Arts Council, England. This scheme, running until June 2015, aims to make arts organisations more sustainable and innovative by increasing fundraising potential and attracting new money to invest in additional artistic work. Any new or increased donation will immediately un-lock Arts Council money at a level of £1 donated £1 matched. Our aim is to raise £110,000 during 2012-15 and in this period we raised just under £19,000, all of which is eligible for 100% match funding.
Sustainability, Growth, Resilience Thanks to a special three year grant awarded by the Arts Council, England in 2011, we have been able to focus on some new elements of sustainability and artistic development. We have: • employed two assistant directors, providing valuable training opportunities • run a number of development workshops for new productions • commissioned an initial feasibility study into the potential for implementing a sustainable heating and cooling system in the theatre building which would also reduce energy use and costs.
Financial Review It cost approximately £3.1 million this year to produce our plays, run the theatre and our education programme. We generated £2,519,000 of income ourselves through ticket sales, restaurant revenue and fundraising initiatives - a higher than budgeted income. Just £544,000 of our income came from grants and other income. The success with our income, combined with continuing strict of inIncome expenditure control,Sources has resulted a significant improvement in our unrestricted surplus. Our aim remains to re-invest any surplus Box office & Touring 49.5% in the continued excellence of our17.9% work and in the maintenance Restaurant Fundraising and improvement of our buildings12.1% which play such a key part in Grant 16.7% our viability. With the economic challenges ahead, the theatre Youth Theatre Education 2.6% term viability is underpinned must take steps to &ensure that its long Other 1.2% through a prudent reserves policy.
Restaurant Fundraising Grant Youth Theatre & Education Other
17.9% 12.1% 16.7% 2.6% 1.2%
Sources of Income Box office & Touring 49.5% Restaurant 17.9% Fundraising 12.1% Grant 16.7% Sources of Expenditure Youth Theatre & Education 2.6% Production 58.6% 15.8% Other 1.2% Restaurant Staff Costs Fundraising Organisational Costs Other
15.5% 1.8% 8.1% 0.2%
Sources of Expenditure Production 58.6% Restaurant 15.8% Staff Costs 15.5% Fundraising 1.8% Organisational Costs 8.1% Other 0.2%
We are very grateful to the Board of Directors who continue to provide guidance and advice to the theatre and also the Development Board and Friends Committee whose fundraising commitment and energy is greatly appreciated.
Board of Directors Andrew Tuckey (Chairman), Tony Ayers, Ralph Bernard, Alison Blackmore, Peter Dann (Friends Chairman), Simon Fenton, Clare Fox, Karin Gartzke, Patrick Griffin, Deborah Puxley.
Development Board Ralph Bernard (Chairman), Robin Boycott, Peter Dann, Maggie Heath, Clare MacInnes, Julian Roskill, Elodie Stanley, Andrew Tuckey, Diana Waterlow.
Friends Committee Peter Dann (Chairman), Carole Anne Armstrong, Mike Cole, Alan Davidson, Sally Fell, Caroline Lumley, Gaye Spencer, Barry Spiller, Julie Squire, Barry Stone, Ruth Tibbetts, Nicky Wilkins.
Contact Us Administration: 01635 45834 Facsimile: 01635 523726 Email: admin@watermill.org.uk The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8AE
BOX OFFICE 01635 46044 www.watermill.org.uk
Our Supporters We rely heavily on the generosity of our corporate partners, trusts, foundations, Friends and the many individuals who support us financially throughout the year. We would like to express our sincere thanks to: • Accenture • Archibald Shaw • Fuller’s Brewery, Horsey Lightly Solicitors • Sheepdrove Organic Farm • Cheam School • Codelocks Ltd • Cricketts • Dickins Hopgood Chidley • Gardner Leader Solicitors • The Garfield Weston Foundation • Highcross Group • Lloyds TSB Commercial • Newbury Building Society • Newbury Business Today • Rivar Ltd • Stearn Electric • Thorngrove School • Transform People International • The Arts Council, England • West Berkshire Council • Sir Trevor Chinn CVO and Lady Chinn • Cardy Beaver Foundation • The Colefax Charitable Trust • The Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation • The Dyers Company • CE Elliot-Cohen’s Charitable Settlement • The Englefield Charitable Trust • The AW Gale Charitable Trust • KDP • The Iliffe Charitable Trust • The Male Family Charitable Trust • Newbury DFAS • PGCT • Mr James Rees • Savills • Sheepdrove Trust • The Stanley Foundation • Many thanks are extended to the tremendous team of Watermill staff, artists, technicians, volunteers, audience members and supporters who do so much to keep this unique theatre alive.
The Watermill Theatre Trust is a registered charity no: 261430 and receives core funding from
Photo credits: Philip Tull and Colin Willoughby
Board of Directors, Development Board and Friends Committee