Claire’s Column – Business And Pleasure

Published on: 14 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 14 Sep, 2015

In this regular column – a must-read for all those interested in Guildford business – Claire Dee wishes a very happy birthday to a much-loved member of the town.

Claire Dee

One of Guildford’s stalwarts is 50 years old.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary this autumn with an impressive programme of events. Including classics from acclaimed authors Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes and the Ripper Murders), Daphne du Maurier (Rebecca), and Agatha Christie (A Murder Is Announced). And for something a bit different, six streamed performances from the Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season.

Named after the celebrated French actress, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened in 1965, having been built by local people who raised money to create a theatre in the heart of the town on land provided by the council at a peppercorn rent. A collaboration between local people and local council that makes it the unique charitable organisation we know and love today.

And local businesses are also playing their part through the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Business Consortium which offers them corporate sponsorship, partnership and hospitality opportunities.

As Yvonne Arnaud Theatre funding executive Madeleine Coleman explains: “We have more than 30 companies who sponsor the theatre. Their support is very important to us and is vital in keeping the theatre alive and flourishing.”

And Pippa Cleary from corporate supporter the University of Surrey adds: “It’s fabulous to be involved with something that is so much a part of the Guildford community and to be supporting the arts in Guildford which, as the School of Arts at the University of Surrey, we are particularly keen to help boost.”

So if your Surrey business is looking to support a local worthwhile cause, why not consider Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre: it’s the best 50th birthday present you could give.

For more information visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/support-us/current-sponsors

Claire Dee runs her own communications consultancy near Guildford, and is an active member of the local business community including sitting on the Surrey Chambers of Commerce Board and the Institute of Directors Surrey Committee. To learn more visit www.clairedeecommunications.com