Guildford Shakespeare Company

Each year, the Guildford Shakespeare Company performs two to three Shakespeare productions to audiences in Guildford. The Surrey-based theatre company brings the worlds and words of Shakespeare alive in a variety of settings in Guildford, including outdoor spaces and historic sites. Recent productions put on by the Guildford Shakespeare Company have included Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard III, and Hamlet.

About the Guildford Shakespeare Company

Founded in 2006, the Guildford Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company specialising in the works of William Shakespeare. The theatre company's productions are modern interpretations of Shakespeare's plays that maintain the original text. While the words of Shakespeare remain unaltered, settings may be changed. For example, the theatre company has performed Shakespeare's plays set in the 1920s and 1960s. All productions of the Guildford Shakespeare Company are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

The Guildford Shakespeare Company also provides education and training programmes to students and residents. The theatre company develops engaging school workshops on theatre and production, catered to individual needs and interests. The company also hosts various drama classes for local children and youth, as well as adults.

Venue Information

The Guildford Shakespeare Company uses diverse non-theatre venues for its performances, including castles, parks, churches and pubs. The aim is to meld audiences with the performance space, providing a stimulating and entertaining experience. In 2013, the theatre company performed at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford Castle Gardens and the grounds of The University of Law. All outdoor venues feature a bar area with refreshments and snacks, as well as seating laid out in a theatre style. Seating at all venues is unallocated.

Host venue for the company's 2013 production of Hamlet, Holy Trinity Church is located on the High Street in Guildford. The red brick building was consecrated in 1961 on the site of a medieval church that collapsed in the 18th century. Construction of the current cathedral began in 1933.

Guildford Castle Gardens is often used by the theatre company, including for its 2013 performance of The Importance of Being Earnest. Guildford Castle was built following the 1066 Norman Conquest of England. The gardens now surround the castle ruins, providing a scenic and inspiring setting for the Guildford Shakespeare Company's performances. Located on Castle Street, the open-air production was held in the bandstand area on the grounds. Guildford Castle Gardens is situated in the town centre, within a five minute walk of the Castle Car Park and the High Street.

The Guildford Shakespeare Company's 2013 production of As You Like was hosted at The University of Law, formerly known as The College of Law. Located on Portsmouth Road in Guildford, the university is situated about a two minute drive from the town centre. The open-air performance was held at the gardens of Braboeuf Manor, a building with a rich history dating back some 700 years.

Location

Guildford Shakespeare Company's venues are situated throughout Guildford, a picturesque town in Surrey, England. The community is within a 40-minute rail journey from London Waterloo station. Most venues, including Guildford Castle and Holy Trinity Church, are found within a short walking distance of the Guildford rail station and the town centre. Venues are typically well served by local bus services from the town centre and within walking distance of parking.

Contact Information

For more information about the Guildford Shakespeare Company and its productions, email info@guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk. Ticket bookings and general information may be obtained by contacting the theatre company on 01483 304384. Additional information about the company, tickets and productions may also be obtained by visiting the theatre company's website at www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk.

The address for the Guildford Shakespeare Company is:
Ground Floor
31 Madrid Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7NU

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