Watermill Theatre announces new season

A brand new production of Rona Munro's adaptation of Watership Down will feature in the inaugural programme from new artistic director Paul Hart, as well as a new production of Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

The season opens on February 25 with Romeo and Juliet, staged in collaboration with the National Youth Theatre. The show will be staged in the round with live music and will be set in a bar. Hart will direct the show, which will feature an ensemble of young actors.

Craig Taylor's One Million Tiny Plays About Britain will run from 12 April then on 5 May a new production of Alan Bennett's double bill Untold Stories will open.

Watership Down, which is a stage adaptation of Richard Adams' adventure novel about a group of rabbits, will run from 16 June 2016.

Paul Hart commented: "The programme represents just a taste of the broad scope of work I hope to present to audiences over time, a mixture of classics, new writing, great rediscoveries and new adaptations. I’m particularly excited to introduce audiences to the next generation of young talent, particularly in Romeo and Juliet which we are working on in collaboration with The National Youth Theatre."

Hart has taken over as artistic director and chief executive from Hedda Beeby, who stepped down after eight years in the role.

Booking for friends opens today, and public booking for the season opens on Monday.