Watermill’s off-stage drama: Standing ovation as music director steps in to play key role with just 30 minutes notice

There was added drama at The Watermill last night (Thursday) when Sioned Saunders stepped in to play the key role of Galadriel with just half an hour’s notice due to illness of another performer.

Sioned usually takes the role of onstage musical director she has a rapid rehearsal and then went straight on in front of an audience. In addition to playing this role she also continued as on stage MD as well as playing four instruments onstage and a Hobbit!

The epic show which has recently opened at the Watermill has garnered five-star national reviews starts and finishes in the Watermill gardens which have been transformed into the Shire.

Paul Hart, director of the production and artistic director of the Watermill said: “I knew that Sioned would be able to do it immediately despite it being one of the biggest sings in musical theatre.

“She has performed in a number of shows for us previously including Amelie and Honk and I just knew she'd smash it.

“The audience response was terrific with an immediate standing ovation.

“I'm so proud of this production. It's the boldest thing we've ever brought to the Watermill stage and audiences are loving it.”