Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) has unveiled its full autumn programme as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, including the expansion of its pioneering knife crime awareness initiative Put Up Your Swords, the return of its free Shakespeare schools tour The Play’s The Thing, and the cast announcement for immersive murder mystery A Brew To A Kill.
Following its inaugural year, Put Up Your Swords will expand into more Surrey schools after reaching around 2,000 young people. Running from 21 September, the eight-week programme supports Year 9 pupils in exploring the realities and consequences of knife crime.
Developed in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, the University of Surrey, Fearless and a range of specialist charities, the programme uses Romeo and Juliet as a framework to encourage young people to consider the choices available to them and explore safer outcomes.
Participants take part in drama workshops, professional stage combat sessions, hear from guest speakers with lived experience, and contribute to a simulated court case at the University of Surrey in which Romeo is put on trial.
The initiative was developed following a stabbing near GSC’s Guildford offices in 2023 and was created alongside the company’s 2024 production of Romeo and Juliet.
GSC will also revive its long-running secondary schools tour The Play’s The Thing for a ninth year. Featuring Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth, the 10-week tour will bring free performances to Year 10 and 11 pupils in less advantaged schools across Surrey and beyond.
The tour includes partnerships with Reading Rep, the Orange Tree Theatre and the British School in The Hague. Last year, the funded project created more than 8,000 free engagement opportunities for Surrey pupils.
This year’s cast includes Ben Harvey as Romeo, Cameron Quinn Chaver as Juliet, Finn O’Riordain as Macbeth and Consuella Rolle as Lady Macbeth.
Later in the season, GSC returns to Hogs Back Brewery for A Brew To A Kill, an immersive murder mystery running from 24 October to 15 November.
Set on the night of a brewery relaunch disrupted by a suspicious death, the production follows the Gloucester family and a cast of colourful characters. The newly announced cast includes Jack Whitam, Emma Fenney, Robert Maskell and Laura Smithers.
Commenting on the season, GSC co-founder Matt Pinches said: “The final season of work for 20th Anniversary Year really typifies what GSC is all about: harnessing the power of drama to change and challenge perceptions; giving young people their first unforgettable taste of professional Shakespeare; inviting audiences to a great night out exploring a treasured landmark through a unique live theatre experience. These are huge projects and their ambition is testament to the passion and belief that our teams share. I can‘t wait to get started!”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
