The Yvonne Arnaud Celebrates 54th Year With Patron Dame Penelope Keith

Published on: 21 May, 2019
Updated on: 22 May, 2019

Dame Penelope Keith

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is celebrating its 54^th birthday with the equally celebrated actor Dame Penelope Keith.

The theatre, beloved by many of Guildford’s theatre goers, opened its doors on June 2 1965, as a proud memorial to the much-loved French actress, Yvonne Arnaud (December 1890 till September 1958), who made her home in Surrey’s Effingham Common.

Dame Penelope, a deeply-valued Yvonne Arnaud patron, said: “The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre was one of the first built after the war. Money was raised by local people and it has a place in the hearts of many who live here.

“The lovely thing is there are always people in here; seeing a show or meeting their friends for a coffee, it’s a real hub in the community.”

She added: “I remember seeing the theatre’s opening production, A Month in the Country featuring Michael Redgrave and Ingrid Bergman. It was fantastic and I have felt honoured to play here over the years.”

The Yvonne Arnaud as a regional theatre has earned a reputation for presenting and producing excellent and vibrant drama.

The theatre also sets out to be a thriving cultural hub and an artistic resource acting as a meeting point for formal and informal gatherings in its cafe and offers spaces for hire for corporate meetings and private parties.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre can be contacted at Millbrook, Guildford, GU1 3UX, and for further information please call, 01483 440000 or go to www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk