£8,000 for the theatre pot
Alan Titchmarsh fundraiser supports Watermill's work on stage
Alan Titchmarsh's visit to The Watermill on Friday afternoon, at which he entertained a very appreciative full house of mostly women, helped to raise money for The Watermill Theatre production Fund.
Erudite and passionate, Titchmarsh talked about his Yorkshire upbringing and how gardening with his grandfather was his inspiration. These times framed his life and he went on to express his sadness that the younger generation seemed not to have the same sort of encouragement.
He was currently busy writing a new novel, due out in September.
His talk, often very funny, was peppered with prepared pieces, a fan letter, poems, and to the delight of his many fans, he even sang.
Titchmarsh talked extensively about his own garden which has been well documented on television over the last 20 years.
He moved house a few years ago and kept his new garden under wraps so that his family could enjoy it without intrusion. He did say that he has started making a new television series in which his secret garden will take pride of place.
Titchmarsh ended his talk with a question and answer session which, not surprisingly, almost exclusively featured questions about gardening.
Afterwards he spent some time in the bar talking informally to members of the audience.
A great fan of The Watermill, having seen productions at the venue, he had caught Spend Spend Spend! on tour and greatly admired it.
Alan Titchmarsh gave his time by way of a donation, for this event, raising £8,000 to support the theatre's work on stage.