The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Is a Lucrative Asset for Guildford’s Economy

Published on: 8 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 21 Jan, 2026

By Isabelle Trubshaw

A report completed by the University of Surrey reveals that Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre has boosted the local economy by £250,000 in the last four years.

The impact analysis, commissioned by the Yvonne Arnaud, follows a previous study completed in 2020/1, which reveals quantitative evidence of the theatre’s contribution to both the local and broader economies.

Director Joanna Read in 2024, during the renovation project

Since the previous report, the theatre has gone through significant transformations, spearheaded by the theatre’s current director Joanna Read, which have significantly increased its financial contribution to the local area.

The renovations include a £6 million re-furnishment and additional educational outreach activities aimed at promoting accessibility to good quality arts and culture to all in the region. This has transformed the theatre into a multi-purpose community and cultural hub for the whole of Surrey.

Led by Dr Eden Jiao and Dr Jason Chen, from the Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management team at Surrey Business School, this study draws on data from a survey completed by audience members, and desk research using operational and management data from the theatre and national macroeconomic indicators.

Key findings of the report include:

Visitors to the theatre are estimated to contribute approximately £1.75 million in off-site spending directly in the local area, with an annual attendance of 127,452 in 2024/25.
94 per cent of surveyed visitors indicated they would not have visited Guildford if not for the theatre.
The theatre generated an estimated economic contribution of £5.81 million in gross value added to the local area, supporting 93 full-time equivalent jobs through direct, indirect, and induced impacts.
Beyond the local area, the theatre contributed £8.29 million in gross value added to the wider economy, supporting 135 full-time equivalent jobs.

The Yvonne Arnaud opened in 1965, thanks to public subscription, and has since, it is said, been evolving into a cultural gem of the region, now establishing itself as Surrey’s largest arts provider and a producer of nationally recognised work beyond the Capital. Thanks to the recent refurbishments, Yvonne Arnaud is expecting increased audience engagement in the next 1-2 years and greater turnover for the local economy in the years ahead.

Joanna Read

Joanna Read, director and chief executive of the theatre said: ‘This report demonstrates just how vital the Arnaud is to Guildford and the county, bringing much needed income to our friends in nearby businesses, creating local jobs and contributing positively to a thriving town.

“As well as enjoying the very many benefits of visiting the theatre, our audiences are paying for parking and doing their shopping.

“They are choosing to come to Guildford, over other towns, because of the Yvonne Arnaud.”

Amanda Masters

Amanda Masters, Chief Executive of Experience Guildford, the town centre BID company, added: “Experience Guildford is under no illusion as to the value the Yvonne Arnaud adds to the town centre economy, bringing trade into the surrounding businesses, and playing a huge role in the community, both culturally and socially.”