BEN HUR

They said it was... unstageable.  They said it was... unachievable.  They said it was... impossible in today’s financial climate.  But we’re doing it anyway!

From the Olivier and Tony award-winning adaptor and producers of The West End, Broadway and Global sensation The 39 Steps 

The Watermill is overawed to present an unbelievably spectacular and never-before seen stage version of the novel by General ‘Lew’ Wallace. Almost certainly the greatest book ever penned...  Experts say no book has ever been so widely read...

In true theatrical, live 3-D with genuine smellorama!

Performed on stage for the first time ever with a maximum of four actors playing all twelve thousand and fifty-nine characters!

And featuring...

An authentic sea battle (with genuine water)
Spectacular and historic recreation of Ancient Rome
Unexpurgated and decadent Roman orgy (suitable for all ages)
and not forgetting our awe-inspiring and unforgettable climactic sequence...
The sensational live chariot race (with real chariots)!

Writer, director and actor,  Patrick Barlow, adapted the award-winning 39 Steps which has now played in over 26 countries. He was the most produced playwright in America in 2011. Patrick is also known to BBC Radio 4 listeners for the series Iconic Icons.

Award-winning actor,  writer and director Sean Foley, has most recently directed the critically acclaimed The Ladykillers, currently running at The Gielgud Theatre in the West End

★★★★★ "...one of the funniest evenings in the theatre this decade...the fabulous foursome ensured tears of laughter all evening and a whole lot of curtain calls." WhatsOnStage

★★★★★ Congratulations are due to all involved  in creating this joyous comic gem, which deserves to follow The 39 Steps and The Play What I Wrote into the West End."  The Good Review 

"The show works a treat, and it will get even better... And yes, the sea battle is tremendous. And the chariot race, I am happy to say, very silly indeed.  The Times

"... A hilarious romp through Roman times with laughs from beginning to end. If you are looking for an antidote to the gloomy summer weather this show is the perfect tonic." The British Theatre Guide

Watch an interview with Patrick Barlow and Sean Foley here

"Have stomach ache from laughing so hard!" - Audience member

"A great summers evening out - whatever the weather! " Marlborough People

Tickets
Thursday and Saturday matinées £14, £14.50.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings £14.50, £21, £23.
Friday and Saturday evenings £15.50, £23, £25.

First Week Special
First Friday evening, seats £14 and £14.50  (no other discounts apply).

West Berks Residents Green Card
10% off top two price bands on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday matinee and evenings from 26 to 28 June (subject to availability).

Talk Back
Free talk back after the show on Friday 6 July and Friday 20 July.