Gypsy 2023 - The Mill at Sonning

Dreamcasting - Ruthie Henshall or Anna Jane Casey

Bonnie. Although they don’t tend to cast names. The draw is that you get your dinner as well as the show.

I don't mind the 3 mile walk from Newburry station to watermill as its rather nice but I recognise not everyone can do it.

I'm sure Dr Tom has done a similar trek from a station to Sonning.

Prices for current show £76 - all seats midweek, £78 weekends. This is what you get for your tea.

I wonder what the business model is for this. I know Dinner Theatre is more common in the U.S, but is the theatre propping up the restaurant or the restaurant propping up the theatre? 

I’ve walked from central Reading, not Newbury.
It’s quite a pleasant walk, the only proviso is there’s a section of the river walk with no lighting. Luckily I had my phone (torch). I felt completely safe but don’t think I would do that in the dark again.

If you can time this for a summer matinee (still light after the show), that should be fine.

Also, follow the river route. In my other visit I tried a different route suggested by Google Maps and ended up at a road not accessible by pedestrians.

Otherwise, you’ll need a taxi (easy enough to get, but the mobile reception is not great).

They are running Top Hat again this winter (excellent last year). I’ll probably aim for a matinee, walk there from central Reading (weather permitting), then taxi back (as it will be dark).

You get an egg roll and lots of Chow Mein thrown in next summer 😬

I suppose the restaurant is propping up the theatre. It’s the ultimate “bar sales” tactic, because you don’t give people any choice about whether or not to have the extras. 

Thanks for the info dippy I'll be looking out for a non food seat!

Its an interesting business model. I wonder if many theatre goers like myself are put off by this ? I would prefer an independent restaurant or pub that theatre goers can visit if they so wish.

Can non theatre patrons visit the restaurant?

Rebecca Thornhill and Evelyn Hoskins to star

❤️

I'm not sure if I've ever seen her but EH's Carrie was incredible and has 'made' book seats.

Joanna Riding played Rose in Gypsy at the Buxton International Festival last summer. 

Note: Buxton is a spa town in the North of England with a beautiful Frank Matcham designed opera house.

She was not spectacular in my opinion. Far from it. I would say she was competent. 

Thread here theatreboard.co.uk/thread/9132/gypsy-buxton-opera-house?page=2

A three piece band? I was hoping for more

That overture on piano, bass and drums ...

I'm hoping they'll add more players or make some of actors double up on brass and wind

Not all good according to some of the online reviews but at least you can now choose where to sit. Avoiding the back and sides is usually the best policy when all seats are the same price.

That's fantastic to hear, I now can't wait for my visit.

Do you what the running time is? Please and thanks

I think many of us (me) would like to know what you had for your tea and how was it? 😋