THE WICKER HUSBAND
BY DARREN CLARK (MUSIC AND LYRICS) AND RHYS JENNINGS(BOOK)
BASED ON A SHORT STORY BY URSULA WILLS-JONES
THE WATERMILL THEATRE 12 MARCH- 4 APRIL 2022
CAST
Cobbler Joe Alessi
Wicker Husband feet Nisha Anil
On stage band Rachel Barnes
Cobbler’s Wife Angela Caesar
Innkeep Jonathan Charles
Wicker Husband heart/ Basket Sebastian Charles
Old Basket Maker Julian Forsyth
Innkeep’s Wife Claire Marie Hall
Tailor’s Wife Davina Moon
On stage band Pat Moran
Lady Hawthorn/ Wicker Husband swing Tommy Norman
Tailor Jack Quarton
Ugly Girl Gemma Sutton
On Stage Band Jon Whitten
CREATIVES
Director Charlotte Westenra
Set & Costume Designer Anna Kelsey
Puppetry Director and Designer Finn Caldwell
Associate Puppetry Director Gareth Aled
Choreographer Steven Harris
Musical Director Pat Moran
Lighting Designer Hartley TA Kemp
Sound Designer Ella Wahlström
Associate Sound Designer Gregory Clarke
Watermill Production Manager Lawrence T Doyle
Production Manager Harry Armytage
Watermill Company Stage Manager Cat Pewsey
Production Company Stage Manager Emily Stedman
Deputy Stage Manager Alex Berridge-Schuter
Assistant Stage Manager Caitlin Ravenscroft and Eleanor Walton
Placement Assistant Stage Manager Josette Shipp
Head of Wardrobe Emily Barratt
Costume Maker Ros Kitson
Wardrobe Assistant Jessica Davis
Sound Operator Kieran McGuire
Theatre Technician Thom Townsend
Production and Marketing Co-ordinator Eden Harrhy
Casting Assistant Emily Beck
Production Photographer Helen Maybanks
Rehearsal Photographer Pamela Raith
Videography Bartek Podkowa
REVIEWS
"The Wicker Husband has it all. A captivating story with glorious music brilliantly performed by a tight ensemble; inspired direction by Charlotte Westenra; groundbreaking choreography by Steven Harris that takes in puppets too. Most remarkable of all, a larger than life-size puppet as leading man. It is getting well-deserved standing ovations. This second chance to see an extraordinarily original, beautiful and bewitching musical is an opportunity not to be missed.
Whats on stage ★★★★★
”The Wicker Husband is a show that has my heart entirely. I adored the show last time around and Charlotte Westenra’s production (a reboot, a revival, a return?) has lost none of its potency. Adapted from Ursula Wills’ short story, Rhys Jennings’ book and Darren Clark’s music and lyrics work their way right into your soul and rather than offering escapism, suggest enlightenment. There’s not a weak link in the company.”
There ought to be clowns
“The two-year hiatus has done little to dwindle this production’s magic, as the inaugural winner of the MTI Stiles and Drewe Mentorship award continues to captivate audiences with its imagination… Clark’s music has all the power needed to lift this production to great heights. The start of something truly special has been woven.”
The Stage ★★★★
"A story with real heart and meaning. Gemma Sutton… with a strong engaging stage presence and joyous energy and together with this wonderful cast and creative team delivers an absolute treat that must surely delight audiences beyond its Berkshire birthplace. A must see… I want to see it again already."
Pocketsized theatre ★★★★★
“A truly bewitching piece that cuts through so many of the clichés of modern musicals and, instead, delivers pure joy... For a couple of blissful hours, Clark, Jennings and their talented team successfully shut the badness out and usher the light in instead. I couldn't recommend this beautiful musical more. Get tickets if you can."
Broadway world ★★★★★
“Nimble stagecraft, intricate puppetry and passionful performances are woven together to create a world of wicker wonderment. Director Charlotte Westenra uses innovative stagecraft and striking visuals to dramatize the tonally tumultuous narrative and… the show’s most impactful moments are made mesmerising by careful attention to detail.”
Mickey Jo Theatre ★★★★
“This show is the best production we have ever seen at The Watermill. If somebody doesn’t snap this up and get it to the West End then the world has gone mad… I left the theatre feeling like I had not only seen but been part of something really special. This show needs to live on and be seen by more people, it has real heart."
Watching from the CheapSeats
“This triumphant production weaves its magic on the audience and is inventively directed by Charlotte Westenra. Story telling at its best.”
Newbury Today
“With top-notch acting, music and singing, fantastic puppet work, and super direction by Charlotte Westenra – whether viewed as an enchanting modern fairytale or a deeper exploration of loneliness and attachment, this is a richly atmospheric trip which equals anything set down by the Brothers Grimm.”
Wokingham Today
“If there was ever a time that the show should find a definite place that time is now.”
Musical Theatre Review ★★★★