Farce at its finest
Providing the full showbiz experience, The Mill is the only dinner theatre in the United Kingdom, now celebrating more than 40 years in business. Nestled on the banks of the Thames just outside of Reading, this iconic venue captures the essence of British theatre, with an exciting 2025 programme including works such as The Importance of Being Earnest and My Fair Lady. Today is a Ray Cooney farce, It Runs in the Family.
The story follows a frazzled Dr. David Mortimore (Steven Pinder), a renowned neurologist preparing to deliver the prestigious Ponsonby lecture before he is interrupted by a series of comical events. Characters stream into the doctors common room, escalating the story further and further til it reaches boiling point.
A riot from start to finish, the ensemble piece boasts a large, robust cast who perfectly capture the archetypes they’ve been cast as. Elizabeth Elvin as the bustling, no nonsense matron who succumbs to a workplace infatuation after some accidentally administered barbiturate. Titus Rowe as the stern but gullible police sergeant, effectively stealing each scene he enters with his charming demeanour and Welsh lilt.
Rachel Fielding plays the forgiving wife Rosemary Mortimore, who keeps the story moving with her practical attitude while dressed in a fabulous festival of beige designed by Natalie Titchener. Embracing the Y2K aesthetic, Francis Redfern as Leslie is the quintessential emo teenager, adorned with double belts, heavy eyeliner and skintight jeans. Alex Marker has created a strong set to accompany the action that is both naturalistic and full of hidden nooks and crannies, perfect for the physical comedy that ensues.
James Bradshaw is a standout as Dr. Hubert Bonney, generating the biggest laughs with his brief solo musical numbers and flamboyant line delivery. Directed by Ron Aldridge, this play originally premiered in 1987 but has weathered well, with classic tropes and misunderstandings that still generate plenty of laughs.
But The Mill is more than just the show, with ticket price including a 2-course meal, recently revamped from a buffet service to an elegant à la carte affair. The food is fresh, hearty and traditional, with bass, pie and duck among the offerings for main and lemon tart, chocolate mousse and bread and butter pudding on the menu for dessert. With swift, smiling service and delicious meals, the production is completely elevated by the accompanying dining experience. A beautiful meal followed by a 2 hours of hilarity, The Mill has perfected the art of hospitality and entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for every patron who walks through the door.