Watermill Theatre

The Watermill Theatre sits right on the Kennet River just outside Thatcham, and it's one of those theatres that actually feels like a proper night out rather than a dutiful cultural obligation. The building itself is lovely - a converted mill with genuine character, and the riverside setting means you can wander the grounds before curtain up without feeling like you're in some concrete arts complex.

They do a solid mix of new writing and established work, which means you might catch anything from a sharp contemporary comedy to a revival that's worth seeing. The intimate auditorium works in their favour; even from the back row you're not squinting at the stage. Shows typically run for a week or so, so there's decent turnover.

It's the sort of place families with teenagers will genuinely enjoy rather than tolerate. If you're after something lighter, they lean that way. If drama's your thing, you'll find it. Worth checking their programme before booking your caravan stay at Rhodeside Club nearby - no point driving out here if nothing catches your eye.

Admission and opening hours vary by show, so the website is essential. Plan a good two hours if you want food beforehand - there's a bar, and the riverside walk rounds out an evening nicely. Not a blockbuster venue, but that's rather the point. Real theatre for people who actually like theatre.