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Performance with PassionArchive

Click on the image for each show to read about it and to see the photo gallery for the show

Plays 1963 – present

Clickable list of all our Past Productions in chronological order. Click on the show link to view full details including cast and creative team credits together with images of the production. Guildburys Theatre Company have been staging plays in Surrey since 1963 and the company has an enviable reputation for high quality productions and well-crafted […]

Happy Now ? at The Electric Theatre Nov/Dec 2023

Reviewer Janice Dempsey –  Essential Surrey ‘An evening of immersive, hilarious, bitter-sweet theatre in Guildford….’ ★★★★★ Happy Now – read the full review here Reviewer Jane Turner – NODA South East. ‘This was a thoroughly enjoyable, lighthearted but poignant, story.The script was quietly humorous from the start.  The first thing to say is that it […]

Cyrano de Bergerac at Guildburys Picnic Theatre July 2023

‘A fun filled playful evening for everyone’ – ★★★★★ Janice Dempsey Essential Surrey review ESSENTIAL SURREY REVIEW – READ IT IN FULL HERE ‘Paul Baverstock’s performance as Cyrano is brilliant: he electrifies the atmosphere with his boldness and his throwaway delivery of witty riposts. The ensemble performances are very strong too. Richard Walter plays the […]

The Ladykillers at The Electric Theatre. March 2023

A masterstroke of villainy – served with tea and biscuits. Guildburys Theatre Company is delighted to bring this witty, madcap farce to The Electric Theatre, Guildford. Sardines Magazine ★★★★★ As is usual with Guildburys, the set was bold, striking, well-built … if it walked into a pub everyone would turn to look. And the players […]

The Flint Street Nativity at The Electric Theatre. November 2022

A delicious dollop of Comedy gold, beautifully gift wrapped by Guildburys and ready for you to open. REVIEW – ‘Marvellously observed, very very funny, but also full of very sad moments, this is a play I would very much like to see again, there was so much in it…… This production was a great team […]

Guildburys Picnic Theatre. Around the World in 80 Days. July 13 – 16

The ride of your life and the journey of a lifetime! ESSENTIAL SURREY REVIEW – Janice Dempsey ★★★★★ Read the review in full here ‘In one of the hottest July weeks of this century, we picnicked, laughed and thoroughly enjoyed this immersion in true theatre.’ ‘There are wonderful moments of comedy and wit. The elephant […]

Albion by Mike Bartlett. The Electric Theatre March 23 – 26

★★★★★ Essential Surrey. Guildburys carry off a complex performance: more than social comment, this is an evening about romance, loss, and reality. Read the Essential Surrey review in full here  NODA. This production benefitted from a great Director, superb casting, and very fine nuanced performances. This was theatre at its very best, with a bucketful […]

Alan Bennett’s ‘People’ at The Electric Theatre, Guildford, 24 – 27 November

★★★★★ Essential Surrey.  ‘Guildburys’ new production of People by Alan Bennett is a real joy. All the ingredients of farce are there, and they’re fully exploited to hilarious effect. ★★★★ Guildford Dragon. ‘A door opened, a man walked in, and an audible gasp went around the audience. What a beginning! A brilliant 4.5 stars.’ Production photography […]

Blue Stockings November 13 – 16 at Hatchlands Park National Trust

Love or knowledge –  which would you choose ? Review: ‘This play is a delight from start to finish ….. all our characters were very believable indeed, from the stuffy Dons, through the inspiring Girton staff, down to the cheery (usually) students, male and female.’ ‘Wonderful attention to detail and colour – a feast for the […]

The Government Inspector at The Minack from 26 – 30 August

  An aerial view of The Government Inspector at The Minack Theatre. Aerial photography Kevin Malam Our 2019 Picnic Theatre production of The Government Inspector toured to the renowned Minack Theatre in Cornwall. Every performance sold out and we played to capacity audiences of over 4,000 people. We are delighted to announce that we will […]

The Government Inspector from 17 – 20 July Picnic Theatre at Merrist Wood in Surrey

REVIEWS of our Merrist Wood Production ★★★★ The production is highly entertaining and hilarious from start to finish with most, if not all, characters extremely humorous. Every actor made me laugh out loud at points, sometimes just from small head movements or expressions. Guildburys Theatre Company are clearly a talented group of people who ‘do’ […]

Late Night Shorts Guildford Fringe Festival 2019

We are excited to be joining the Fringe line up at the 2019 Guildford Fringe Festival on July 5 & 6 with ‘ Late Night Shorts’   Three quick bursts of theatre to round off your weekend evening to perfection.   Funny and poignant, short and to the point.Transport yourself to a US airport which […]

2 couples, 2 Pubs, 2 Countries at The Keep May 2019

Theatre Up Close, and personal  2 plays, each set in a pub are performed in a pub. In Catherine Medbh by Declan Feenan, we eavesdrop as two former lovers meet in a bar for a drink. Gerry and Daisy are looking for love with a brand new dating agency in Peas by David Tristram – […]

Oh Romeo at The Electric Theatre 20 – 23 March, 2019

Essential Surrey ★★★★ A rumbustious take on Shakespeare…. as always, the Guildburys have brought all their enthusiasm and dramatic skills to bear on this production. Ian McShee as the preening ghost of Shakespeare is brilliant. His dancing, self-congratulatory body language and swift changes of oral tone and register are a delight.This satire was written after […]

Bram Stoker’s Dracula at The Electric Theatre 14 – 17 November 2018

Rule One for becoming a vampire victim – “First of all you have to invite him in”…….  The enduring gothic vampire horror, Dracula, is given a modern twist in this acclaimed adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. An English lawyer visits his mysterious Transylvanian client, only to be imprisoned in a castle filled with unspeakable […]

Hot Fudge – Woking Drama Festival 2018

Our entry in the 2018 Woking drama festival was ‘Hot Fudge’ by Caryl Churchill. Caryl Churchill is one of the most influential and significant contemporary British dramatists working today. The author of more than 30 plays, as well as a number of adaptations and translations, she has reshaped the theatre landscape. In powerful vignettes, Hot […]

Anne Boleyn at Guildburys’ Surrey Picnic Theatres from 11 – 14 July & 25 – 28 July 2018

The perfect accompaniment to a summer evening in the beautiful surroundings of Guildburys’ Picnic Theatres in Farnham and Guildford. Essential Surrey review – read full review here ★★★★★‘ The talented Guildburys have created another great evening of Picnic Theatre in the beautiful setting of Waverley Abbey House this weekend.’ Sardines Magazine review – ‘ The […]

All My Sons at The Electric Theatre 11 -14 April 2018

‘I can only say that I enjoyed this production enough to recommend it to all of Guildford. Five star theatre.’ ★★★★★ The Guildford Dragon. The Kellers are an ideal family – apparently. In his iconic play, Arthur Miller lays bare their hopes, secrets and self-delusions  – and exposes the reality of lives and relationships built on deceit, lies […]

One Night in November at The Electric Theatre 15 – 18 November 2017

  ‘At the end of this moving play, as the cast, clutching candles, emerged from the shadows to take their bows, there was no immediate burst of applause. For just a few seconds, the audience were too moved, too deep in thought, to clap. A sure sign of a great piece of theatre.’ Pauline Surrey (N.O.D.A.) […]

Nell Gwynn at Haslemere Museum 27 – 29 July 2017

‘All round, this would rank with the best open-air theatre experiences – professional or amateur – I’ve had’.  FARNHAM HERALD ‘This is an excellent evening’s entertainment by this accomplished Surrey theatre company. If you can get tickets don’t delay, you won’t regret it’ ★★★★★ ESSENTIAL SURREY ‘Fine casting, able direction by Laura Sheppard, great performances […]

Nell Gwynn at Waverley Abbey House in Farnham 12 – 15 July 2017

Winner – 2016 Olivier Award for best new comedy, performed open air.  Jessica Swale’s award winning comedy is a poignant, tender & rumbustious romp, liberally sprinkled with comedy, truth and musical delights. Perfect for Picnic Theatre ! Performed open air in the grounds of stunning Waverley Abbey House – pack a picnic, uncork the wine […]

The Lady in the Van at The Electric Theatre 3 – 6 May 2017

      When Mary Shepherd parked her home (a van) on a street in a trendy part of London no-one knew what to expect. She was cranky, smelly, infuriating and gloriously indomitable. The neighbours complained — but one took a particular interest and invited her to move her van onto his driveway where she remained for […]

On the Razzle at The Electric Theatre 30 November – 3 December 2016

‘Wot a great delight from one end to the other and everything in between. Wicked word play…farce at its very best. Great direction and a great cast giving it all they got with great gusto….and enjoying it immensely themselves. A treat for the mind and you will leave the theatre thoroughly thoroughly pleased with yourself […]

The Merry Wives of Windsor at The Minack 22 – 26 August 2016

Guildburys triumphant return to Cornwall’s beautiful Minack Theatre!  2013 saw Guildburys production of ‘Tartuffe’ play to packed houses at The Minack and in August 2016, fresh from a successful run at their summer home open air at Waverley Abbey House in Farnham, Guildburys Theatre Company returned to perform at The Minack Theatre, bringing The Merry Wives […]

The Merry Wives of Windsor at Waverley Abbey House in Farnham 13 – 16 July 2016

Picnic Theatre is special – the perfect summer evening Open Air at Waverley Abbey House, Farnham. “A fantastic production with plenty of humour! Thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.” With excellent reviews, and huge enjoyment all round our audiences toasted the summer in the company of some of Shakespeare’s most colourful characters, including the infamously […]

Waiting for Godot at The Electric Theatre 6 – 9 April 2016

With 5 star reviews, innovative staging set against a post apocalyptic backdrop, Guildburys stylish interpretation of this fascinating play added to the intrigue that is Beckett’s masterpiece. A play that famously bemuses and amuses whilst challenging every answer the audience comes up with certainly lived up to its reputation. Described as a play where nothing happens twice, plenty happened […]

Jamaica Inn at The Electric Theatre 18 – 21 November 2015

Guildburys production of Daphne Du Maurier’s iconic tale, adapted for the stage by Lisa Evans, received rave reviews, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the large numbers who came to see it. With strong performances from the principles, supported by a talented ensemble and an innovative narrative chorus, this was a brave and exciting production with […]

Twelfth Night at Waverley Abbey House and Haslemere Museum July 2015

​   With some of the Bard’s most oft quoted lines and many of his best loved characters, this production was a delight, as Guildburys returned to perform at Waverley Abbey House and once again in the gardens of Haslemere Educational Museum – a wonderfully intimate venue with a picturesque outlook over Black Down. The […]

Blue Stockings 25 – 28 March 2015 at The Electric Theatre

Love or knowledge – which would YOU choose?  ‘Was at last night’s performance with a group of friends and we all thought it was a terrific show, very thought-provoking, well-acted and well staged. We agreed, too, that the scenery changes were fascinating!’ Audience comments on Guildburys’ production Magnificent. I was privileged to be there last […]

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde 27 – 29 November 2014 at The Electric Theatre

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at The Electric Theatre, Guildford A play by David Edgar based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson.   London. 1886. Autumn. The streets of the city, swirling with yellow fog, are chill and gloomy. Stalking them is the monstrous Edward Hyde, a murderous brute who seems to appear and […]

Macbeth 2014 at Waverley Abbey House and Haslemere Museum

Celebrating our 25th annual open air performance ! ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’ A fabulous production of one of Shakespeare’s most performed plays which enthralled audiences – AND the reviewers ! REVIEW – Bob Heather. Sardines Magazine “The whole cast were absolutely brilliant and not a weak actor in sight…….. Every cast member […]

Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table. April 30 – May 3 2014

Guildburys pulled off a sell out success at The Electric Theatre, Guildford with their production of  ‘Ten Times Table’, by the master of comedy, Alan Ayckbourn. With a delightful array of zany characters – at least one of whom you will have met, and all of whom you will recognise, it performed to packed houses. […]

The Locked Room 11 – 14 December 2013

‘Under the adept and skilled direction of award-winning director Laura Sheppard, local playwright Kathryn Attwood’s masterful new play ‘The Locked Room’ is a riveting drama from start to finish. The intelligent writing is something to celebrate and with first-rate performances, impressive backdrop and evocative costumes The Guildburys are once again demonstrating why they continue to […]

Tartuffe, 17- 20 July and 26 – 30 August 2013

“Every performance in this production was brilliant… I must make mention of the fabulous costumes. Each and every cast member looks the part from head dress to shoes and everything in between; special mention must be made of a few who clearly had the audience in the palm of their hands from the start. Orgon, […]

Dancing at Lughnasa, April 10-13 2013

  Guildburys were delighted to bring this award winning play to The Electric Theatre. Following its opening in Dublin the production transferred to the National theatre in 1991 where it won the Olivier award for best play, and after a triumph on Broadway it went on to win the Tony Award for best play. A […]

The Royal Baccarat Scandal. November 2012

Guildburys were awarded a National Operatic and Drama Association accolade of excellence for this production. Audience  – Gordon Ayshford “Fantastic – a truly captivating plot brought to life by charismatic performances. The pace moved at a lick to cover the extensive scope and full dialogue of the complex main and sub-plots , then softened at the […]

The Marriage of Figaro. July 2012

The Marriage of Figaro – the play that inspired Mozart – was the perfect choice for a Farnham show. The marriage of picnicking in spectacular surroundings whilst enjoying the delights of outdoor theatre should have been a marriage made in heaven, but the wettest summer in years meant that the cast and crew were faced […]

The Memory of Water. April 2012

SARDINES MAGAZINE ‘On top of excellent acting, the production was set beautifully. It may have only been a simple bedroom, but the use of projection through one wall, lighting, set dressing cannot be underestimated. Ian Nichols must be congratulated for his wonderful design, complemented by simple and effective lighting and evocative music.This attention to detail […]

The Ghost Train. December 2012

Stranded in a lonely Cornish railway station late at night an ill-assorted group of characters find themselves caught up in the eerie tale of a spectral train and the series of startling events that its imminent appearance sets in motion. The Ghost Train is a thrilling and chilling suspense drama with plenty of twists and […]

As You Like It. July 2011

As You Like It Flyer

As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance with cross-dressing and love-notes, poetry and brilliant conversation, gentle satire, slapstick and passion.   The director of the 2011 version of As You Like It loved the play so much that she named her daughter after Shakespeare’s eponymous heroine, Rosalind! Performed open air with […]

Burnt by the Sun. March 2011

This was the first amateur production of this critically acclaimed play since it was premiered at The National Theatre in 2009. An outstanding success for Guildburys. The year is 1936  and in a country dacha 20 miles outside Moscow, the grizzled old Red Army hero, General Kotov, and his much younger wife Maroussia are with […]

Private Fears in Public Places. November 2010

Six people with six very separate lives are strangely linked by circumstance. Does Nicola still love Dan? Can Stewart be on the verge of an office romance? Will Imogen ever find true love? Does Ambrose have a secret life? And what on earth is Charlotte up to?   ‘The pace was good and the constant […]

The Taming of the Shrew. July 2010

  ANOTHER SELL OUT AT FARNHAM CASTLE !   Guildburys celebrated their 21st year at the castle in style with this new adaptation of Shakespeare’s much loved tale of the battle of the sexes. The stormy relationship between the colourfully eccentric Petruchio and his scornful and unwilling bride Katharina was played against the magnificent castle backdrop, […]

The Titfield Thunderbolt. March 2010

A CLASSIC EALING COMEDY – FEATURING 2 TRAINS, A BUS AND A STEAMROLLER!   The branch line between Mallingford and Titfield is losing money and British Rail is intent on closing it down. In desperation the villagers exploit the 1947 Transport Act and decide to take charge and run it themselves – with a train […]

Hobson’s Choice. November 2009

Guildburys were delighted for the first time to be associated with The Rotary Club of Guildford district and the performance on November 4th raised funds for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Guildburys’ charity partners in Farnham. The performance raised £1500 for the hospice. Review by Jeff Thomson Surrey Advertiser theatre critic. It was a full house […]

The Comedy of Errors. July 2009

Guildburys The Comedy of Errors

A sell out success at Farnham Castle July 15-18 2009 REVIEW OPEN-AIR theatre is always special, whatever the weather. As long as you have someone special to cuddle up with and a well-performed piece to keep you warm through the driving showers you are bound to enjoy the show. That was the case on Friday […]

After Mrs Rochester. March 2009

‘Guildburys is one of Surrey’s most adventurous and successful drama groups. An accomplished company brings a fast paced story to life with intelligence and verve”.  Surrey Advertiser  ‘What’s On’ REVIEW Polly Teal’s script for ‘After Mrs Rochester’ is stylistic and frequently surreal.  It is a challenge for any company but was confidently chosen by Guildburys […]

Great Expectations. November 2008

Dickens’ classic and best loved masterpiece is brought to the stage.     A gritty adaptation of Dickens’ least sentimental love story with a cast of some of his most unforgettable characters. Whilst at his parents’ graveside, Pip is accosted by Magwitch, a convict escaped from one of the prison ships. Terrified, he is forced […]

The Servant of Two Masters. July 2008

‘Chaos that sparkled ! Liberally peppered with much hilarity, Goldoni’s classic farce stormed into Farnham.’  REVIEW. Sarah Hollands. Farnham Herald ‘Sumptuous costumes and a talented cast performed a real classic. A great recipe for a perfect summer’s evening ! Last week the Guildburys returned to Farnham Castle for their annual open air performance. Graham Russell […]

Leatherhead Festival. May 2008

  GUILDBURYS WIN BEST PLAY TROPHY AT THE LEATHERHEAD DRAMA FESTIVAL         Four dogs lie in cages in an animal shelter. A Dog’s Life depicts the moment when a woman comes to the shelter and has to choose between the dogs — a choice that literally means life or death to the oldest, […]

Time and the Conways. April 2008

It is 1919. The house is full of light and laughter as the prosperous Mrs Conway and her family gather to celebrate her daughter’s twenty first birthday and the return of her favourite son from the Great War. They seem a golden family – safe and well after the Great War, looking forward to future […]

The Government Inspector. Mayor’s Charity show 2008

Guildburys Theatre Company is one of Surrey’s foremost community theatre groups and we were delighted to be invited by The Mayor of Guildford to perform our 2007 production of The Government Inspector at the Electric Theatre in aid of his chosen charity, the Halow Project.   From Emma Cunningham for and on behalf of the […]

Playhouse Creatures. November 2007

Set in the late 17th century, April de Angelis’ play explores the world of the first women to perform on stage. Their status was precarious, the line between actress and courtesan all too permeable, and they were often exploited, used and then cast aside. It is a play that is by turns comic, poignant and […]

Much Ado About Nothing. July 2007

  One of Shakespeare’s most endearing classics featuring the most famous battle of the sexes.  Benedick, an arrogant and confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice his favourite sparring partner.     While Beatrice and Benedick hide their infatuation beneath witty barbs, young love blossoms as Hero and Claudio race to the altar.When the wicked Don John conspires […]

The Government Inspector. March 2007

One of the most famous comedies in world theatre, Gogol’s masterpiece depicts a small Russian town where corruption is rife.     But when the powers that be learn they’re going to be subject to an undercover government inspection they panic. Mistaking a penniless nobody for the powerful official they swiftly fall victims to their […]

Pygmalion. November 2006

Bernard Shaw’s SPARKLING and BITING classic   “You have no idea how frightfully interesting it is to take a human being and change her into a quite different human being…” When Henry Higgins makes a bet with Colonel Pickering that he can turn a cockney flower girl into a lady, he sets out to change […]

Frankenstein. Edinburgh Fringe August 2006

Guildburys Frankenstein - Edinburgh Festival Show

‘…… soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, one purpose. So much has been done…. more far more will I achieve; I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.’ MARY SHELLEY.  Adaptation and dramatisation by Ian Nichols from the original novel  […]

The Two Gentlemen of Verona – Farnham Castle July 2006

​Young people who are passionate, insecure and hormonal – standing on the brink of the rest of their lives…..   Two devoted friends – Valentine and Proteus – are treading different paths. Valentine quits Verona to see the world and heads off to Milan where he falls in love with Silvia. Meanwhile Proteus stays at […]

Vanity Fair. April 2006

Becky Sharp is one of literature’s most talked about heroines and this colourful production, specially adapted for the stage by the director, brought Thackery’s sweeping tale to life. Amelia Sedley, of good family, and Rebecca Sharp, an orphan, leave Miss Pinkerton’s academy on Chiswick Mall to live out their lives in Vanity Fair — a […]

The Importance of Being Earnest. July 2005

The Importance of Being Earnest Guildburys Theatre, Surrey

  A rousing, romantic escapade, Oscar Wilde dishes up scathing social satire, effervescent wit and high farce, making The Importance of Being Earnest one of the most cherished plays in the English language. In a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, charming bachelors Jack and Algernon lead double lives to woo the two young […]

Frankenstein The Electric Theatre April 2005

Guildburys Frankenstein - Edinburgh Festival Show

Adaptation and dramatisation by Ian Nichols from the original novel  In February 1815, when Mary Shelley was seventeen, her first child was born prematurely, dying a few days later, unnamed. It was the first death of many to cast it’s shadow over her life. She wrote in her journal: ‘I think about the little thing […]