Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
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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 the value of its work with young people, as one young man put it, 'can't be underestimated'.
Named after the actress, the Yvonne Arnaud has two performance venues, the main theatre and the Mill Studio, which provides a more intimate setting for smaller productions. The theatre has a thriving youth department, putting on many shows in its Mill Studio, and an annual summer musical on the main stage.
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.
Originally the Mill building housed the theatre workshops; it was converted during the 1980s.
