Updated: Opera On the Balcony Goes Under – But the Show Goes On

Published on: 3 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 5 Sep, 2025

Guildford Guildhall

By Martin Giles

Guildford Fringe’s “Opera On the Balcony” will become “Opera under the Balcony” this year due to safety concerns preventing the balcony’s use.

See Nick Wyschna’s message below.

The Guildhall was built around 1550 but was substantially remodelled with a new facade, presumably including the balcony, in 1683, the date showing on the clock face.

A GBC spokesperson said: “The Guildhall is an iconic heritage building within our town and it’s important that we preserve and maintain it.

“Structural engineers have recently been on site to carry out investigation works and we’re expecting a structural report shortly.

“In the meantime, for safety reasons, we’ve taken the difficult decision to close the balcony to the public. We’re working with the organisers of the Fringe to facilitate their event.”

Nick Wyschna, founder of the Guildford Fringe Festival, added: “…the balcony needs repairs before we can tread those boards again.”

Referring to “Opera on the Balcony” he said: “It’ll be the same magical event but just more in your eyeline as you sit out on the High Street. We are putting up a stage underneath the balcony and the bar will be available in the foyer of the Guildhall as normal.

The Guildford Fringe listing for Opera on the Balcony which will be going ahead, just a little lower down.

“We really hope to see another huge crowd for this free, accessible event for Guildford.”

For more Guildford Fringe events click here.

In times past, the Guildhall balcony has been packed with people during official events such as the proclamation in 1936 of George VI.

More recently, safety concerns have reduced the maximum number of people allowed on the balcony, as this 2022 photo, of the Armed Forces Day flag-raising ceremony, shows.

Today Nick Wyschna added:

Emergency Message about Opera on the Balcony this Sunday, please read and share.

You may have heard that the council has closed the Guildhall balcony for safety reasons. But don’t worry, the show is still going ahead this Sunday evening! We’re simply rebranding it as “Opera UNDER the Balcony”.

We’ve brought in a stage to make sure the performance is every bit as magical as always. Of course, hiring a stage adds extra costs, so your support means more than ever. Join us, enjoy the music, and don’t forget to grab a drink from our bar, which will still be set up inside the Guildhall.

You are not permitted to bring your own drinks but bringing your own chair is encouraged. We are sure the weather will be perfect but if not remember there is plenty of cover by sitting under Tunsgate Arch which will be right in front of the stage.

There is no need to book for Opera Under the Balcony, just rock up. Showtime is 6:30PM on Sunday 7 September outside The Guildhall on Guildford High Street.

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