The Guildford Shakespeare Company Announces Its Coming of Age with Pride

Published on: 11 Jan, 2024
Updated on: 16 Jan, 2024

By Alice Fowler

Guildford Shakespeare Company celebrates 18 years of theatre-making this week, with an exciting “coming of age” programme.

A range of new productions will continue its tradition of creating exceptional theatre in extraordinary places, alongside a range of community and education projects.

Past production: GSC company in The Canterbury Tales (2023) Photo – Mark Dean

The 2024 programme begins next month, with a brand-new adaptation of Pride & Prejudice at Surrey’s largest Georgian church, Holy Trinity in Guildford. Adapted and directed by Abigail Pickard Price, the show will feature a cast of just three actors, bringing Jane Austen’s cherished romantic comedy to life.

Past production: Dan Krikler as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2022) Photo – Matt Pereira

In April, continuing GSC’s tradition of celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday, two events will showcase the company’s community work: a self-devised production by its Young Company, written by Theo Toksvig-Stewart; and the annual Shakespeare Walk, this year at Cranleigh and a new location, Knowle Park.

In June, Romeo & Juliet, directed by GSC co-founder Matt Pinches, will combine all of the company’s resources into one huge open-air show.

Shakespeare’s exhilarating love story will burst onto the streets of Guildford, retelling Verona’s timeless tale across some of the town’s most iconic landmarks. The professional cast will be joined by a community chorus of local performers, schools, colleges and GSC’s own drama clubs.

The year will close in December with a brand-new immersive Murder Mystery adventure in another unique venue.

GSC co-founders Matt Pinches and Sarah Gobran

Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches founded GSC in 2006, and still lead it today, with a mission to make theatre inclusive and accessible for all.

“When we began making theatre in 2006, we never dreamed we would be embarking on such an incredible journey,” Matt Pinches says.

“In fact, when Sarah suggested staging a play in Guildford’s Castle Gardens, I said I’d help out for a year, and now look where we are! It has been an absolute privilege to work with hundreds of talented artists over the last 18 years. I am so proud of the impact GSC has had on the lives of so many people in our community.”