The Guildford Shakespeare Company, Surrey's professional Shakespeare company, has embarked on ambitious plans to drive the company forward over the next three years.
These include a brand new third season in the autumn, celebration events for Shakespeare's 450th birthday, the 3rd Sonnet Walk Weekend and an expansion in the education work the company already undertakes, giving more young people a positive experience of the world's most famous playwright.
Matt Pinches, one of the two founding producers, commented, "Now is the perfect time for GSC to embark on an ambitiious programme of development.
"In 2013 we welcomed over 8,500 people to 72 performances; that's 3,000 more peple than in 2012 who have had access to exciting, quality theatre, produced right on their doorstep.
"A further 1,400 people (some as young as 7 years) have enjoyed classes, school workshops, talks and special events organised and delivered by GSC."
The year kicks off in February with the company's 20th production as they return to Holy Trinity Church on Guildford High Street with Shakespeare's Othello.
In April, GSC will be joining the national celebrations for Shakespeare's 450th Birthday with a series of special events culminating in the popular Sonnet Walk Weekend.
For the 9th summer season, another open-air double-bill of audience favourites will see the company return to the Castle Gardens with Twelfth Night at Guildford Castle in June, followed in July by Henry V at a new venue, Guildford Cathedral.
Finally, the new autumn season will bring the year to a close with a unique staging of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.
More details about GSC and its work can be found on its web site.