2024 marks 18 years since the award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company began making theatre in Surrey.
The 2024 programme celebrates its unique site-responsive legacy, alongside its diverse community and education projects, beginning with a brand-new stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE.
Founded by Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches in 2006, who still lead the theatre company, Guildford Shakespeare began with a simple mission to create exceptional theatre in extraordinary places. By re-igniting people’s passion for theatregoing they have sought to demystify the notion that theatre is only for the few, but rather is inclusive and accessible for everyone.
GSC’s site-responsive approach places audiences right at the heart of the action, immersing them in the world of the play.
Using churches, castles, galleries, museums, quarries, lakes, and even a real Boeing 747, the work encouraged audiences to engage with their shared space and heritage and engage with the stories as more than just something to watch.
Shows have included an interactive multi-venue production of Alice In Wonderland, celebrating Guildford’s connection to Lewis Carroll, and a promenade staging of The Tempest using six different venues in Guildford’s largest public park. King Lear starring Brian Blessed, and Hamlet, with Freddie Fox, have garnered national and international acclaim.
MATT PINCHES: “When we began making theatre in 2006, we never dreamed we would be embarking on such an incredible journey. In fact, when Sarah suggested staging a play in Guildford’s castle gardens, I said I’d help out for a year, and now look where we are! It has been an absolute privilege to work with the 100s of talented artists over the last 18 years, and I am so proud of the impact GSC has had on the lives of so many people in our community.”
Crucial to the theatre company’s objective is a thriving education and outreach department. In 2023, GSC created over 24,000 engagement opportunities for adults and young people in Guildford and across the South East, through 13 inhouse weekly drama clubs every and an outreach programme that supports the most isolated members of the community 18,000 of these are delivered ‘free-to-access’ and includes those living with the challenges of poor mental health, young carers, the elderly, homeless, excluded teenagers and their families, and touring to the least advantaged schools across the South East.
This work has led GSC to win multiple awards including Charity of the Year, Community Consideration, Outstanding Support in the Community, and this autumn the national Institute of Directors award for Inclusivity, Diversity and Equality.
SARAH GOBRAN: “In our industry we all know how powerful theatre can be; how it can affect change. To experience that firsthand, to speak to participants and audiences for whom GSC’s work has had genuine life-saving implications is both humbling and inspiring. It proves that the arts are a force for good; they bring understanding, compassion, and resilience, as well as great joy. It is for these very reasons that we keep striving to make exceptional theatre experiences for everyone.”
GSC’s 2024 production programme is curated to celebrate the company’s 18-year commitment to their community, starting with a brand-new adaptation of PRIDE & PREJUDICE in Surrey’s largest Georgian church, Holy Trinity in Guildford Adapted and directed by ABIGAIL PICKARD PRICE, three actors will bring to life a cast brimming with unforgettable characters in Jane Austen’s much-cherished romantic comedy.
In April, continuing GSC’s tradition of celebrating Shakespeare’s Birthday, two events will showcase different elements of the company’s community work: the inspirational young creative talents of GSC’s YOUNG COMPANY will present their latest self-devised production, written by THEO TOKSVIG-STEWART; whilst actors will take the street of England’s largest village, Cranleigh, and the brand new Knowle Park, for the popular immersive SHAKESPEARE WALKS.
GSC began in 2006 by producing open-air theatre, and 2024’s outdoor show will optimise that foundation. In June, ROMEO & JULIET, directed by GSC founder MATT PINCHES, will combine all of the company’s resources into ONE huge open-air show. Shakespeare’s exhilarating love story will burst onto the streets of Guildford to retell Verona’s timeless tale across some of Guildford’s most iconic landmarks. The professional cast will be joined by a community chorus, made up from local performers, schools, colleges and GSC’s own drama clubs.
The year will close in December with a brand-new immersive MURDER MYSTERY adventure in another unique venue following 2023’s winter show on a real Boeing 747.
Alongside the main productions, there will continue to be Primary and Secondary school tours, and the ongoing series of life-changing outreach drama projects.
