THE MILL GOES ON TOUR DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY
When we first obtained the rights to Death Comes to Pemberley in 2023, we knew we were embarking on something truly special. Adapted from P. D. James’s celebrated novel — itself a brilliant continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — this sumptuous production combined wit, mystery and romance against the elegant backdrop of Darcy and Elizabeth’s world. Its timing could not have been more perfect: 2025 marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, with celebrations taking place across the country. But this production wasn’t just another hit for The Mill at Sonning Theatre. It marked the beginning of something bigger — our first ever national tour, more than eighteen months in the making.
For the first time, our work reached thousands of new audience members across the UK.
“We’ve always believed that what happens at The Mill deserves to be seen far and wide,” says Artistic Director Sally Hughes. “Touring Pemberley wasn’t just about taking a show on the road — it was about taking the spirit of The Mill with us.” Designing a Show that could Travel One of the most ambitious aspects of the project lay in the design of the production. The Mill’s intimate auditorium has its own unique dimensions — but most touring venues are far larger. Our creative team, led by set designer and production manager, had to re-imagine the original set so it could seamlessly expand and adapt to a range of different theatres. The drawing rooms and ballrooms of Pemberley were designed as modular pieces, allowing them to grow or contract depending on the stage. Ingenious panelling and flexible sightline solutions meant that whether the show was in Sonning
“TOURING PEMBERLEY WASN’T JUST ABOUT TAKING A SHOW ON THE ROAD — IT WAS ABOUT TAKING THE SPIRIT OF THE MILL WITH US.”
What began as a sold-out run on our riverside stage grew into a landmark moment in The Mill’s 43-year history. In spring 2025, Death Comes to Pemberley — a world premiere — embarked on an eight-week national tour, travelling to some of the country’s most beloved theatres including Theatre Royal Bath, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Theatre Cardiff, Theatre Royal Windsor, Richmond Theatre and more.
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