YOUR VISIT

HOW OUR UNIQUE VENUE WORKS

The Magic of
Our Theatre

Explore What We’re About

Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment. Uniquely, as one of the only dinner theatres in the United Kingdom, it has gained unrivalled praise both nationally and internationally.

Directors, designers, actors, musicians, of the highest quality help maintain its exceptional reputation. Many new plays premiere here from established to young up-and-coming writers. All productions are created on the premises. Nothing is ‘brought in’. Rehearsal rooms buzz with activity. Sets are built in our workshop. Costumes designed and made in our wardrobe. In our kitchens, fresh food is prepared daily.

The intimate theatre seats 217 in the semi-round allowing the audience to feel involved in the performance. The elegant restaurant, separate from the theatre but within the premises, with views over the sparkling Thames has the friendliest young staff of waiters and waitresses. A spinning waterwheel features in the cosy bar.

WHAT’S ON

How Does it Work?

1. Arrival

Welcome to The Mill at Sonning! Meeting you on your arrival, we have a great car parking attendant team who are here to direct you on where to park. Car parking is available at a certain capacity. Once parked in our on-site car park, make your way to our main entrance where you will find our Foyer and Box Office. When you arrive in our Foyer, please make sure you enter your vehicle registration number into a screen – there is also a screen in the Bar. If you need help, please make sure you ask a member of staff when you arrive. If you have been to us before, we no longer have your table numbers in our Foyer. Instead, head up to our restaurant when you are ready, where our host will greet you and take you to your table. If you are visiting us for the first time, please allow a bit of extra time as we are close to the historic one way bridge in Sonning and at peak times the traffic can be busy.

2. Waterwheel Bar

Upon entering from the Foyer, you will be able to take advantage of our gorgeous Waterwheel Bar where you are welcome to enjoy some pre-dinner drinks. The bar opens at 11am for matinees and 5pm for evening shows.

3. Restaurant

Take your time, enjoy a drink in our Waterwheel Bar and head up to the restaurant when you are ready. In our restaurant, our host will greet you and take you to your table. Our wonderful team of waiters and waitresses will take your food and drink orders. The gents’ toilets are on the ground floor in the Waterwheel Bar, and the ladies’ toilets are on the River Room floor in the restaurant. Once you have finished your meal you are welcome to have drinks in the Waterwheel bar before the call for the show.

4. Theatre

When we are ready, you will be invited to take your seats in the intimate auditorium. In a recent change, Interval drinks can be pre-ordered with the waiting staff during dinner for collection in the Interval. At this time, we also offer a selection of traditional award-winning fresh cream dairy ices and sorbets for purchase with the waiting staff.

5. Encore

The Waterwheel Bar is open after the show on Saturdays. There will be live piano music from Tim Valentine.

The History Behind the Theatre

Our Story

There has been a ‘Mill at Sonning’ for many centuries, and with it, always a family. In the Domesday Book of 1086 three mills at ‘Sonninges and Berrochescire’ are mentioned.

In the 1600s the rents for the mill went to the Royal Revenue.

During the Civil War, when Cromwell had his headquarters in London and King Charles had his in Oxford, the troops met in the middle – Reading. It was Sonning which supplied the flour for the besieged garrison in the town. The site of the earliest Sonning mill could very well have been in a different place. Wooden buildings had a habit of burning down. This one dates back to the eighteenth century but the main parts of the present theatre building are from around 1890. It was owned then by the Witherington family who added the top two storeys and the larger waterwheels for more power to drive the machinery. Around 1898 they put in a steam engine to supplement the water power.

A Tribute To Our Founders – Tim & Eileen Richards

Tim & Eileen Richards were a very adventurous couple. They met just after the war having served in the 8th Army and the WAAF respectively. Following a whirlwind romance their adventures took them to the dangerous Amazon jungle where they lived in a house on stilts for several years, two days away by river boat to any civilisation. Then came Venezuela and Argentina. Tim was a Civil Engineer. In the early 60s they returned to England with their young family and Tim set up his own business.

A few decades later – at an age when most people are thinking of retiring – they decided to find a venue to convert into a Dinner/Theatre. In fact the whole project was an idea of Eileen’s who loved theatre. They would drive out from London at the weekends visiting possible buildings. They just happened to pass through Sonning on a summer’s Sunday and stopped at the traffic lights outside The Mill. From their car they saw the FOR SALE sign and decided to explore. Remember they were a very adventurous couple. The old wooden building was boarded up. They broke in!!

The first area they saw was the ground floor, which is now the beautiful Waterwheel bar. They couldn’t stand up and when the building was finally converted the floor was lowered.

To reach each floor of the building they had to climb up little ladders and through a hole cut in the floor. There were 4 more floors and the auditorium was a huge granary. Plus buildings beyond that now make up our dressing rooms, rehearsal room and workshop. Everything was there to make the project work.

They were entranced by The Mill. They sold their house in London and bought The Mill and a house in Sonning. It took 4 years to convert into The Mill at Sonning Theatre and opened on July 22nd 1982.

Sadly they have both now gone, but their daughter Sally Hughes runs the theatre along with her son Adam Rolston. What a legacy Tim & Eileen left their family and the wonderful people who work here.

Past Productions

It Runs In The Family

White Christmas

The Whistling

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Played at The Mill from 13th February to 12th April 2025

Dr. David Mortimore, renowned neurologist, is about to deliver the most important lecture of his life. A knighthood is certainly within reach! When into his hospital sanctuary comes Jane Tate- ex-nurse and ex-girlfriend- with shocking news as to why she departed so hastily 16 years and nine months ago. Not only is Dr. Mortimore the father of her son Leslie, but the strapping teenager is now in reception baying to see his long lost parent!

Trying to hold both his career and marriage together, there is only one solution for Dr. Mortimore- send for the faithful friend Dr. Bonney. What ensues is a dangerous web of expanding lies and manic cover-ups involving a Police Sergeant, Dr. Mortimore’s wife, a severe hospital Matron and Dr. Bonney’s mother.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY is farce at its finest, spinning deliriously out of control and tickling the funny bones in traditional RAY COONEY fashion.

“A superb production that is bound to be in my top 10 plays of 2025 – two hours of continuous hilarity until one cannot laugh anymore!”

John Groves, Theatre in Aylesbury

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Played at The Mill from 27th November 2024 to 25th January 2025

Irving Berlin’s classic Broadway musical based on the beloved film. This heartwarming show, follows two World War II veterans as they team up with a sister act to save a local inn and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with so many memorable songs including “Blue Skies”; “Sisters”; “How Deep is The Ocean” – and of course “White Christmas”.

“Under the masterful direction of Jonathan O’Boyle and expert musical direction by Jae Alexander, with stunning set design by Jason Denvir and beautiful period costumes by Natalie Titchener, this is a magical experience at the The Mill at Sonning”

Musical Theatre Review

THE WHISTLING

Played at The Mill from 27th September 2024 to 16th November 2024

A World Premiere and original adaptation of REBECCA NETLEY’S bone chilling Novel. When Elspeth arrives on a remote Scottish island to become a nanny to a young child, she hopes to bond with her. Until she learns that, for reasons no one will explain, Mary has not spoken for months. This ghost story will sends shivers down your spine and haunt your dreams.