The Mill at Sonning facts for kids
The Mill at Sonning is a special place. It's a theatre and a restaurant combined! This unique building used to be a flour mill. It was built around 1800 on even older foundations. You can find it on an island in the River Thames. This spot is in Sonning Eye in the English county of Berkshire.
The river splits into three parts here. The mill's water channel forms the middle branch. One of the Sonning Backwater Bridges crosses this channel. It's just a short distance from the mill.
Contents
The Mill at Sonning: A Special Place
From Flour Mill to Fun Theatre
The history of The Mill at Sonning goes back a long way. The original mill was mentioned in the Domesday Book. This important book was written in 1086. For many years, it was a busy flour mill. It produced flour for the famous Huntley and Palmer biscuits. These biscuits were made in the nearby town of Reading.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, local families owned the mill. Later, the mill complex was transformed. It became a modern theatre with 215 seats. The theatre is also air-conditioned for comfort. There's a bar and a restaurant too. You can enjoy a meal before the show. The original watermill machinery is still visible inside.
What You'll Find There Today
Today, The Mill at Sonning is a popular spot. It offers a unique "dinner theatre" experience. You can have a delicious meal and then watch a play. It's a great way to spend an evening. Close by, you'll also find the French Horn hotel. It's also located right on the river.
Power from the River
The theatre is quite modern in some ways. It has a small hydroelectric generator. This generator makes electricity using the river's water. It can produce 18.5 kilowatts of power. This system started working in June 2005. It was the very first of its kind on the River Thames. It even started before the one at Windsor Castle.
Awards and Recognition
The Mill at Sonning has received special praise. In 1984, it won a conservation award. This award was given by The Times newspaper. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors also helped give the award. It recognized the great design and restoration work. They turned a rundown mill into a fantastic dinner theatre.
Stars on Stage
Many talented actors have performed at The Mill. The theatre's first artistic director was Peter Egan. Other famous performers include Anthony Valentine and Judi Dench. You might also know June Whitfield and Adam Faith. Michael Denison, Dulcie Gray, John Junkin, and Brian Cant have also graced its stage.
Where is The Mill?
The Mill at Sonning is right next to a house called the Mill House. This house was also built around 1800. In 2014, the American film actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, bought this house.
See also
