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The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey is a theatre presenting in-house productions which often tour and transfer into the West End along with a variety of other performances including opera, ballet and pantomime. It is a centre of culture in Surrey and is highly-regarded for the value of its work with young people. Named after the actress, the Yvonne Arnaud has two performance venues, the main theatre and the smaller Mill Studio[1]. The theatre has a youth department, putting on many shows in its Mill Studio, and an annual summer musical on the main stage[2].
History
The theatre, designed by local architects Scott Brownrigg and Turner was opened in 1965. It replaced the older Guildford Repertory Theatre, founded in the late 1940s and housed in the former Borough Hall and Assize Courts in North Street. During the 1950s the inadequacy of these premises coupled with the acclaimed work of the Repertory Company prompted moves in favour of a new theatre; in the event the old theatre burned down in 1963. The new theatre was intended as a true social centre, with a restaurant and bar complementing the theatrical offerings. The design is much of its period, and takes full advantage of the attractive riverside site. The foundation stone was laid by Vanessa Redgrave, who cast her hands in concrete.
Although it replaced the old repertory theatre, the Yvonne Arnaud dispensed with the idea of a permanent company of actors presenting a different show every few weeks in favour of a looser model where actors are cast for different productions. Many stars have performed at the theatre over the years.
The first Artistic Director was Laurier Lister who delighted audiences from his opening production with Ingrid Bergman and Michael Redgrave in "A Month In The Country"; the powerful performance by Max Adrian of "The Cardinal of Spain"; Sybil Thorndike's penultimate role as the murderess in "The Viaduct"; Wendy Hiller and Gladys Cooper in Somerset Maugham's "The Sacred Flame"; Alec Guinness's riveting scientist in "Time out of Mind" to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which featured the complete Mendelssohn Score, especially recorded by a sixty piece orchestra.
After ten years Val May took up the reigns of Artistic Director and built on this success, continuing to balance classical and popular theatre with Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Ibsen and Anton Chekhov rubbing shoulders with Noel Coward, Priestley, Alan Ayckbourn and Stoppard. Thirty-four premieres were staged from mammoth musicals to distinguished modern works by Michael Frayn and Anthony Shaffer. Closer relationships were developed with West End managements. As a result, twenty-seven productions transferred during the decade, which enabled the theatre to stand on its own two feet and withstand the withdrawal of the Arts Council subsidy with the support of Guildford Borough Council and the loyal Guildford audience.
Since 1991 the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre has created 119 productions (including 60 new plays), which have toured to 80 different cities in the United Kingdom providing 673 weeks of product for other regional theatres. Of the 119 productions, 53 then transferred to London, 32 of which were new plays. Its scenery workshops, in addition to creating sets for the Yvonne Arnaud's stage, have built for Glyndebourne, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre and most of the country's leading commercial companies.
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre today
Today Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, under the Directorship of James Barber, is a busy producing and receiving house creating shows in Guildford and touring nationally with many transferring to the West End. On both the main stage and in the Mill Studio an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary work is staged by new, lesser-known and established writers. Ballet, opera and children's events are also staged, alongside music, comedy, contemporary dance and more experimental theatre in the Mill Studio. An annual pantomime, art exhibition and film season feature and the Youth and Education facility offers an exciting mix of activities for young people and adults all year round. Extensive catering facilities are available to suit all pockets, providing a complete night out for everyone - not just theatregoers.
The Mill Studio
Originally the Mill building housed the theatre workshops. The studio opened in 1993[1] to provide a venue for work that would not otherwise be seen in Guildford. It also forms the base for the Youth Theatre's activities. The historic Old Town Mill dates from the eighteenth century and it had previously been used as the theatre's scenery workshop. In 1997 its success was rewarded with a Lottery grant to upgrade the facilities, and since then it has continued to expand its audience and the range of productions presented. It is now a lively venue in its own right providing a great space for small-scale work by professional companies.
External links
References
- ^ a b "Yvonne Arnaud Website- A Brief History". Retrieved on 2007-02-11.
- ^ "Yvonne Arnaud Website- Youth Activities". Retrieved on 2007-02-11.
Related links