Majesty, Merriment, Mystery… and a Boeing 747 – GSC’s 2023 Programme

Published on: 5 Dec, 2022
Updated on: 11 Dec, 2022

Majesty, merriment and mystery – not to mention a real-life Boeing 747 – feature in Guildford Shakespeare Company’s 17th annual programme, announced today.

The company’s offer for 2023 kicks off in February with Shakespeare’s Richard II: a blistering examination of what happens when leaders’ inflated egos dictate a nation’s future.

Shocking in its modernity, and unflinching in its portrayal of how those in power can lose touch with the people they purport to serve, the play will be given a contemporary setting by director Natasha Rickman. Staged in Holy Trinity Church on Guildford High Street, the production will feature Daniel Burke as Richard and Anne Kavanagh as Gaunt.

GSC’s annual summer outdoor double-bill sees the return of two of its most-requested productions: Henry V and The Canterbury Tales. Directed by Caroline Devlin, Henry V will feature a cast of five actors, who will bring to life the Battle of Agincourt in a staged promenade around Guildford Cathedral. The show will also boast a specially designed, projected backdrop.

For its second summer show, GSC will relocate to Guildford’s Stoke Park for a raucous and fun-filled The Canterbury Tales. In a version originally devised by the company in 2014, GSC will present eight bold and bawdy tales, featuring puppetry, operetta and live music.

In December, for its final show for 2023 (and possibly a world first), the company will decamp to Dunsfold Aerodrome. Boeing, Boeing Gone is a specially commissioned Murder Mystery adventure that will take place on a real (grounded) 747 jumbo jet. This interactive murder mystery will take audiences across every part of the aeroplane as they try to uncover Whodunnit?

Sarah Gobran

GSC co-founder Sarah Gobran said: “We are incredibly excited to be announcing our 17th programme of locally made theatre in Guildford. Theatregoing should be special; it should transport you to new worlds and inspire you to think in new ways; it is something to be shared and enjoyed with friends old and new. We hope that 2023 will deliver these things and more, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences once again.”

For 2023, GSC will also introduce a pay-what-you-can ticket offer to give as many people as possible access to great theatre experiences. Tickets for all next year’s shows, including Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash events in April, can be purchased in advance with the GSC annual pass, which includes reserved seating. For full details of all next year’s shows, see www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk.