Cast announced for Lone Flyer at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre

The cast for Lone Flyer – The Last Flight of Amy Johnson at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre this autumn been announced.

Louise Willoughby and Benedict Salter will star in the show between 10 to 25 September.

Hull born actress Louise Willoughby will join the production to star as ‘Amy Johnson’ and Benedict Salter (whose previous Watermill credits include The Importance of Being Earnest and A Little Night Music) will reprise his original role, supporting her playing a series of other male parts.

May 1930. Amy Johnson has a dream, but just how far will her dream take her?

As the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, Amy’s career reached new heights, but the outbreak of the Second World War changed everything, and she finds herself facing her greatest challenge yet. Driven by the need to escape from one life to another, follow Amy’s journey from humble beginnings to become one of Britain’s most influential female aviators.

Louise Willoughby said: “I can’t wait to get started on rehearsals and be back in a room with a creative team after it’s been such a difficult time for our industry. Being from Hull, I grew up learning about Amy’s story – I actually played her in a scene in a small community play when I was about 15!

“I don’t think there’s a single person from Hull who hasn’t heard of Amy Johnson, how she defied all expectations with her determination, knowing what she wanted to do, and finding a way to do it. I think women today have a lot to thank her for. I’m honoured to be playing Amy and I can’t wait to tell her story.”

Directed by Watermill Associate Lucy Betts, Ade Morris’ powerful play about one of the most inspirational women of the twentieth century was first staged at the Watermill in 2001. Its run in 2022 was forced to close early due to the autumn lockdown.

Tickets are available to book online at watermill.org.uk.

Lone Flyer is part of the venue’s recently announced autumn season.