Watermill Theatre Unveils 2025 Season – Including Jesus Christ Superstar
The Watermill Theatre has unveiled its 2025 season, featuring a brand-new actor-musician production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a new adaptation of Charley’s Aunt, and a festive staging of The Little Mermaid.
Jesus Christ Superstar Revival (24 June – 21 September 2025)
The summer production will be a fresh revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Paul Hart, artistic director of the Watermill Theatre, will lead the production, which will feature set and costume design by David Woodhead, choreography by Anjali Mehra, and musical supervision by Stuart Morley.
Hart shared his vision for the show, stating:
"It’s going to be really special for audiences to experience this legendary musical in the intimate setting of the Watermill. With music played live onstage and a semi-immersive staging spilling out into the gardens, this will be a unique and electrifying experience. We have expanded the run to 100 performances this year, ensuring more people than ever can book for an unforgettable summer musical following our recent sell-out shows."
Artwork supplied by the Watermill Theatre
Charley’s Aunt (3 October – 15 November 2025)
In the autumn, a new adaptation of Charley’s Aunt by Rob Madge will take to the stage. Directed by Sophie Drake, this classic farce follows two students attempting to navigate romance with the help of an absent aunt, leading to a series of mistaken identities and comedic misunderstandings.
The Little Mermaid (26 November 2025 – 4 January 2026)
For the festive season, the Watermill will stage a new adaptation of The Little Mermaid, written by Lara Barbier and directed by Elgiva Field. With original songs by Amie Parsons, the production will incorporate folk and sea shanty-inspired music to bring the beloved tale to life in a fresh and engaging way.
Ongoing Developments at the Watermill Theatre
Executive director Claire Murray highlighted the theatre’s ongoing improvements and international impact, stating:
"We have recently upgraded our sound system with EM Acoustics, ensuring audiences experience enhanced audio quality, particularly in our actor-musician productions of Piaf, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Little Mermaid."
Murray also noted the continued success of previous Watermill productions:
The Lord of the Rings, which premiered at the Watermill in 2023, will return to the UK in October with a run in Plymouth before heading on a European tour.
Calamity Jane, another Watermill production, is currently touring the UK.
She concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of funders, donors, and staff, acknowledging their role in bringing the theatre’s ambitious programming to life.
For tickets and further information, visit the Watermill Theatre website.
