Guildford is justifiably proud of its reputation as a centre for Arts, and Entertainment, certainly for a town of our size, we have a remarkable amount to offer visitors, and residents.
Whether it’s a pre-West End production at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, a headline comedy act at G Live, an exhibition organised by Guildford Arts, or any of the hundreds of live music and entertainment events hosted by Guildford Fringe every year, we have something for just about every taste.
But, on the occasion of their ‘18th birthday’, we wanted to pay specific tribute to the outstanding Guildford Shakespeare Company.
Of course, they are nationally acclaimed for their sumptuous, and often daring productions of Shakespeare’s works, but there is so much more to the brightest jewel in Guildford’s artistic crown…
In their 18 years, the company has staged genuine theatrical events of all styles, often at venues not traditionally associated with live theatre. From Wind in the Willows, in the grounds Watts Gallery, The Legend of King Arthur, in a specially built 19th century ‘Spiegeltent’ in Stoke Park, to a reimagining of Love’s Labour’s Lost featuring songs from Noel Coward, and a spectacularly choreographed Charleston!
Venues all over the town have benefitted from the audiences that GSC productions always attract, and there has been no shortage of high profile support from legends like Brian Blessed, as well as a great many local benefactors and friends.
We could not even begin to do justice to the breadth and imagination of their vision, Guildford Shakespeare Company operates community, schools performances, and initiatives for carers, outreach programmes, drama lessons and workplaces. It is an organisation that Guildford should be immensely proud of, adding greatly to the cultural and entertainment landscape of the town.
Highlights for their 18th birthday year include Pride and Prejudice, which runs from February 5th – 24th, and a production of Romeo and Juliet that will use some of the most iconic landmarks in Guildford as its backdrop, an immersive experience featuring a community chorus appearing alongside the all-professional cast…an event not to be missed!
Happy Birthday Guildford Shakespeare Company, here’s to many more years of professional entertainment of the highest level.