Testimonial

We are enormously grateful to Helen for stepping in to the Development Director role and giving us a seamless transfer of leadership for just over a year. She did a fantastic job of ensuring that all of our planned campaigns were delivered and that we offered excellent stewardship to our donors and funders throughout her time here.

She also contributed to our strategic planning during that time and we’re particularly appreciative on her work to help us secure a grant through Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund.

Helen line managed an early career team member and supported their development in the role, this included supporting them to confirm a significant new corporate sponsor.

Helen was great to work with, and whilst formally she was only working 3 days a week for the Watermill, she always made sure she was on hand to respond to queries and support us – we really appreciated this flexibility and responsiveness.

Helen’s a calm and capable fundraiser who has a real passion and commitment for the work that she’s doing – an asset to any team.

 

 

 

 

Claire Murray

Executive Director & Joint CEO 
Watermill Theatre

September 2026

The Watermill Theatre is a regional producing theatre based in a converted Grade II listed watermill on the outskirts of Newbury, West Berkshire. They create around 7 productions each year and welcome approximately 60,000 visitors annually. The programme celebrates actor-musicianship, new writing and reinvigorated classics, alongside investment in new and emerging talent. Alongside artistic work, they deliver an extensive Outreach programme working with around 15,000 people each year through youth theatre, schools’ workshops, creative learning opportunities and inclusive programmes for people experiencing social isolation, disability or other barriers to participation.

In 2026 the theatre was named Theatre of the Year, shared with The Royal Court Theatre, in recognition of the quality and impact of their work at a national level – the second time they have received this recognition in the last three years, with particular acknowledgment of Outreach and accessibility work. The Access programme supports adults and children who are neurodivergent, d/Deaf, or experiencing stress, isolation or other challenges in their lives, using arts-based learning to build confidence, instil transferable skills and enrich lives.

https://www.watermill.org.uk/about-us