Review: The Shadow in the Mirror at The Mill at Sonning

★★★★★

I’ve always had a soft spot for Gerald Durrell. As a child I gobbled up My Family and Other Animals and the rest of his books about life in Corfu – sunshine, quirky relatives, exotic pets. So when I heard that The Mill at Sonning was staging an adaptation of one of his stories, I thought I knew what I was in for. How wrong I was! The Shadow in the Mirror is Durrell like you’ve never seen him before – no sun-drenched beaches here, but a proper gothic horror that had me shivering in my seat.

George Dillon as John the Jailor with Nick Waring as Peter Letting Photo credit Pamela Raith

The story, adapted and directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, whisks us between a prison cell, Chelsea, and then off to a crumbling château in France, where a bookseller uncovers a hidden doorway to another world and unleashes something far more terrifying than he bargained for. The description of the place instantly made me think of Dracula’s castle, which I have actually visited in Transylvania (and yes, there’s a cheeky reference to Stoker’s classic tucked into the play). I did manage to guess one of the twists, but honestly, that didn’t take away from the fun – it was all so deliciously creepy and beautifully staged that I was hooked right to the end.

The water wheel in action in the bar

A magical place for a pre show or interval drink

Tummy Vanilla panna Cotta, spiced apple and brandy compote

Going to The Mill is always a treat in itself. Tucked beside the Thames with its charming old waterwheel turning gently in the bar, it’s one of those rare venues that feels like a little adventure every time you go. The theatre has long been proud of its green credentials - that wheel generates energy used in the theatre and gives back to the grid. It’s still very much a family-run place, which adds to its warmth. Dinner or lunch is included in the ticket price and, rather excitingly, it’s now full waiter service – which makes the whole experience feel extra special. The food is always excellent, and it’s such a lovely way to begin the outing.

And then the production itself – wow. The design team have really outdone themselves. Diego Pitarch’s set is wonderfully atmospheric, all decayed grandeur and shadowy corners where you half expect something (or someone) to emerge. Mike Robertson’s lighting and Simon Slater’s sound design build the suspense perfectly – a flicker here, a whisper there, just enough to make you lean forward. Natalie Titchener’s costumes are gorgeous too, as ever, instantly placing us in the right period and giving each character their own look and feel. If a character is rich, they get rich men's clothes i.e. purple silk linings and Astrakhan hats and coats for Gideon de Teildras Villeray (played by Greg Lowe). The matching of the cloak lining colour with the flowers in the vase go to show the level of design attention to detail in this production.

It’s all so slickly done that you find yourself sinking into the story almost without realising it.

The cast of four – George Dillon, Gregg Lowe, Giles Taylor and Nick Waring – are excellent across the board. Each one brings something different: intensity, humour, charm, menace. Together they keep the energy moving and the tension high, so that even in the quieter moments you’re on edge, waiting for the next reveal.

One of the things I love about visiting The Mill is that it feels like a proper day out. If you’re travelling from London, it’s easy to hop on a train to Reading and then grab a taxi, or if you’re driving, there’s parking right outside. In the warmer months, it’s worth arriving early and sitting by the river with a drink before heading inside – it’s such a pretty spot and there's a chance of catching a glimpse of the next-door neighbour - a certain Mr Clooney.

This was a five-star production for me. The Shadow in the Mirror is gothic, eerie and beautifully executed – the sort of play that makes you glance over your shoulder as you walk back out into the night. Paired with dinner at The Mill, it’s pretty much the perfect autumn evening out. Maybe book for Halloween as a way of getting your spine tingling chills.

The Shadow in the Mirror

Dates: 18 September – 8 November 2025

Venue: The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading, RG4 6TY

Tickets include a two-course lunch or dinner

Book here