If you love truly outstanding theatre, spectacular food, the British countryside – and ducks – then The Watermill Theatre will steal your heart, just like it stole mine.

Nestled tightly in the rolling hills and sprawling countryside of Bagnor, this rickety converted corn mill is so old that no one knows exactly when it was built. But there’s nothing corny about this cosy little play house; it stages an enormous variety of truly excellent, thought-provoking and hilarious theatre throughout the year, and also manages to be the friendliest, most welcoming theatre I’ve ever visited. Mingling is positively encouraged. Hang around after the play in the bar and restaurant and you’ll be able to chat and make friends with your favourite cast members.

But if it’s food you’re after, a vast and sprawling lunch time buffet of mixed hors d’oeuvres and chunky home made soup will be sure to please before the matinee performance. During the summer months, the friendly staff  will bring your lunch outside so you can enjoy it in the dappled, dancing shade of a willow tree besides the river. Watch out for the gaggle of geese and ducks that patrol the garden though; they’ll want some of your lunch just as much as you will!

After you’ve laughed – or cried –  yourself silly during the performance, you can grab yourself a cream tea (teapot and oven-fresh scones included) or follow the winding river to the picturesque surrounding villages and countryside. Try to remind yourself you haven’t actually just stepped into a postcard though…

Image courtesy of James Monjack on Flickr