Cast set for Charley’s Aunt adaptation, penned by Rob Madge

The Watermill Theatre in Newbury has announced casting for Rob Madge’s new adaptation of Brandon Thomas’ Charley’s Aunt, which runs from 3 October to 15 November with a press night on 8 October.

The Watermill’s joint chief executives Paul Hart and Claire Murray said Madge’s version “keeps all the quick wit, comedy, and elaborate ruses of the original, but views love, relationships, and identity through a modern lens in a fresh and playful update”.

Jonathan Case will play Charley Wykeham, joined by Richard Earl as Spettigue, Elijah Ferreira as Eli Delahay, Max Gill as Babbs, Mae Munuo as Amy Spettigue, Yasemin Özdemir as Kitty Verdun, Maggie Service as Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez and Benjamin Westerby as Jack Chesney.

The production is directed by Sophie Drake with set and costume design by Alex Berry, lighting by Ben Jacobs and sound by Russell Ditchfield. Lauryn Redding returns to the Watermill to compose the score.

The stage management team is led by Cat Pewsey with Fern Bamber and Natalie Toney, and casting is by Cydney Beech.

In partnership with Newbury Pride, the theatre will host its first Come As You Are Night on 27 October, inviting guests to attend in whatever makes them most comfortable, with drinks and nibbles from 6pm. Individual bathrooms will be available before and after the performance.