Newbury Watermill theatre CEOs named in The Stage top 100 influencers

CONGRATULATIONS to The Watermill’s joint chief executives Paul Hart and Claire Murray, who have been named in The Stage 100 2024, putting them among the most influential people in the industry.

The Stage 100 recognises theatremakers for their response to the “biggest challenge ever”.

It is the definitive list of theatre's most influential people and partnerships for business success, vision and affecting change for the better.

Despite a 100 per cent cut its £450,000 Arts Council England funding, the 200-seat producing theatre has enjoyed a fantastic year.

The summer run of The Lord of the Rings, its largest scale production to date sold more than 17,000 tickets. Other highlights included the stage adaptation of Bill Bryson’s Notes From a Small Island, Kate Summerscale’s The Suspicions of Mr Wicher and Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, by Zimbabean company Two Gents.

Claire, who stepped up to the CEO role alongside Paul last year said: “What a wonderful surprise and honour.

“So many people – staff, freelancers, supporters – have made this year at The Watermill amazing! Proud to be representing them alongside Paul.”