bˈɔːɹn ɪn wˈɔnstɛd, wˈɑːt stˈʌdid dɹˈɑːmə æt mˈæntʃɛstɚ jˌuːnɪvˈɜːsᵻɾi wˌɛɹ hiː dᵻɹˈɛktᵻd sˈɛvɹəl stˈeɪdʒ pɹədˈʌkʃənz.
Born in Wanstead, Watt studied drama at Manchester University where he directed several stage productions.