The Duke of Edinburgh Helps Celebrate 60 Years of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Published on: 16 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 17 Sep, 2025

The Duke of Edinburgh meets children, staff and parents from Guildford Grove Lighthouse Centre, with BSL interpreter Amy Astley

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, helped the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre celebrate its 60th anniversary at a star-studded concert last week.

He attended the theatre on Wednesday (September 10) to celebrate six decades of theatre-making and mark the end of the year-long building refurbishment project.

Attendees enjoyed a concert with contributions from actors and performers who have made the theatre a success over the past 60 years, with performances by Yvonne Arnaud patrons Dame Penelope Keith and Patricia Hodge OBE, alongside compere Gyles Brandreth.

There were birthday messages from Dame Judi Dench, Hugh Bonneville, Dame Sian Phillips and David Suchet.

The Duke meets members of the Yvonne Arnaud Young Company, with Charlie Essex, Community Engagement Practitioner, and Joanna Read, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Director & Chief Executive

The Yvonne Arnaud Young Company and volunteers’ choir each illustrated the theatre’s significant community impact and highlighted its vital role as a cultural hub in Surrey. The Duke is passionate about the arts and gives much of his time to organisations that enable young people to develop their skills through theatre and music.

Joanna Read

Joanna Read, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Director & Chief Executive, said: “We thank His Royal Highness for joining us to celebrate the theatre’s incredible achievements. To be able to unveil our refurbished theatre, in its 60th year, in such great company, is very special.”

Before the concert, The Duke of Edinburgh met representatives from schools and organisations who participate in and benefit from the Yvonne Arnaud’s creative learning activities, and members of Surrey Cultural Partnership.

The evening ended with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday, as the Duke unveiled a plaque commemorating the event before meeting the performers and members of staff.