Guildford Shakespeare Company celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016, with an exciting programme of plays and events, reports Ellen Daniel
For the Guildford Shakespeare Company, 2016 is a year of milestones. Not only does it mark 400 years since the passing of the bard himself, but the company is celebrating a special birthday of its own – 10 years since its founding in 1996.
From humble beginnings, with actors and co-founders Matt Pinches and Sarah Gobran spotting a gap in the market for theatre in Guildford, The Guildford Shakespeare Company (or GSC) has evolved into an award-winning professional theatre company, staging 27 productions to an audience of 64,000.
The company has staged multiple productions every year, from Shakespeare's classics to three original adaptations, including King Lear in 2015, starring Surrey resident and Company Patron Brian Blessed. Last year saw a particularly ambitious production of Wind in the Willows in which audiences were lead outside to meet Badger in the woods, before watching as Toad drove off in a 1927 Humber.
Despite growing in numbers and fame, what sets them apart is their continued dedication to the ethos of creating a company which remains at the centre of the community it serves. Based in Guildford, the company has utilised many local spaces and landmarks, frequently braving the elements with its open-air productions, and aiming to put Guildford firmly on the map as a location for great theatre.
Described as a "home grown and site specific theatre" by co-founder Matt Pinches, the company is committed to creating immersive theatre that places the audience and the location at the centre of the play. The result? Truly unique adaptations, which prove that the West End isn't the only location for cutting-edge theatre.
Preconceptions about Shakespeare can be cast aside; the company is determined to "combat the barrier between modern society and Shakespeare, without the need for dumbing down", by creating accessible productions whilst remaining true to the original works.
The Guildford Shakespeare Company is certainly something a little different, and in true style, will be celebrating its 10th year with an array of ambitious and exciting productions. With Shakespeare's Birthday Bash, including talks, recitals and a tour around the town as well as three productions, 2016 looks to be a stellar year of Shakespeare for the company, proving once more their dedication to great live theatre and great storytelling.
Discover the Guildford Shakespeare Company's vision for 2016 on their website
Their next show is A Winter's Tale, running February 8-27 at the Holy Trinity Church
