THE MILL GOES ON TOUR DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY
A Company Rising to the Challenge Behind the scenes, the tour represented a major logistical leap for our team. Coordinating multiple venues, travel schedules, technical rehearsals and load-ins demanded a level of precision and teamwork unlike anything The Mill had done before. It was a test of ambition, resilience and artistry — and our company rose to meet it. “It was exhilarating,” says Sally. “To stand in a theatre hundreds of miles from Sonning and hear the audience respond with such warmth was profoundly moving.” The Next Act Begins The success of Death Comes to Pemberley marks a bold new chapter for The Mill. It’s proof that our work has a life beyond our historic home — and that audiences far and wide share our love of beautifully crafted theatre. As the curtain falls on this first tour, we’re already dreaming of the next adventure. More tours are being planned, part of a long-term vision to share The Mill’s work with audiences across the UK.
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. 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. “TOURING PEMBERLEY WASN’T JUST ABOUT TAKING A SHOW ON THE ROAD — IT WAS ABOUT TAKING THE SPIRIT OF THE MILL WITH US.”
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
or Brighton, it retained its visual richness and atmosphere.
This meant months of planning, precision carpentry, and engineering: each element needed to be strong enough to withstand travel, light enough to be moved quickly, and elegant enough to maintain the high production values The Mill is known for. Scenic elements were designed to be packed into touring trucks with military precision, ensuring the show could load in and out swiftly at each stop. “The set was built almost like a puzzle,” explains Sally. “It had to fit perfectly together in Sonning — but also be able to stretch its wings in a large proscenium theatre. That’s no small feat.” A Cast and Company on the Road The cast — led by some of the UK’s finest stage talent, including James Bye (Martin Fowler in EastEnders) — transported audiences into Austen’s world with elegance, wit and a touch of danger. From glittering ballrooms to a courtroom crackling with scandal, the production captured hearts everywhere it went. Audiences responded with standing ovations and glowing reviews, praising its meticulous design, atmospheric lighting and captivating performances.
The story of The Mill is growing — and we can’t wait to share the next act with you.
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