Following its sell-out production of Macbeth which took place in the atmospheric, and very beautiful, Holy Trinity Church in Guildford High Street, Guildford Shakespeare Company is about to brave the elements once more in Guildford’s Castle Grounds and later in the gardens of the imposing Guildford University of Law.
In its eighth season, this site-specific theatre company is breaking away from Shakespeare for the first time and will be presenting Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, staging it around the Victorian Bandstand in Guildford’s Castle Gardens.
Producer and co-founder Matt Pinches commented, “After 17 Shakespeares we felt it was time to dip our toe in other waters and Wilde’s brilliantly fun play seemed the obvious choice given our venues and audiences”.
Earnest will be directed by the award-winning Anna Ledwich who directed Blue Remembered Hills at Chichester’s Theatre in the Park last year, and she has also assisted directors Richard Eyre and Rupert Goold. The production is designed by Farnham-based Andrew D Edwards (Playhouse Creatures at the same venue).
Heading the creative team for As You Like It, staged in the grounds of the Guildford University of Law, is director Tom Little who recently directed The Living Room at Jermyn Street Theatre, and is also artistic director of Primavera Theatre. He has been an associate director with Peter Hall and Trevor Nunn. Joining Tom is designer Neil Irish, a regular with GSC, his work including seasons with English National Opera and Czech National Opera.
The Importance of Being Earnest runs from 13 to 29 June; As you Like It is from 17 to 28 July. Online booking opens on 19 April. See www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk for more information, or contact the box office on 01483 304384.