Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Who we are

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre & the Mill Studio Theatre

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is a regional theatre, presenting and producing vibrant, excellent drama for the people of Guildford, Surrey and beyond. With a thriving studio theatre and youth theatre, the Yvonne Arnaud is a culture hub and an artistic resource, a local theatre with a national reach.

Under new Director Joanna Read the theatre is beginning a period of transformation which will see it reconnecting with its audience and its community and redefining its role as a regional    drama and play house.   Plans include creating our own slate of productions alongside the home produced pantomime, increasing the diversity of our audiences, presenting excellent work on the mainstage that will inspire, thrill and entertain, increasing work for families and young people, and growing the national reputation of the theatre.

Alongside the Main Stage, which seats 586, the Mill Studio, capacity 80, presents work by local and emerging companies, contemporary small scale touring and work for children.  The Theatre’s Youth Theatre currently offers an exciting mix of activities for young people all year round, both at the Theatre and other local venues – it currently caters for around 400 young people throughout the year. The Youth Team also run education and outreach workshops with local schools and colleges.

Built by enthusiastic theatregoers, the theatre opened in 1965 and is an iconic grade two listed building.  A restaurant, cafe, theatre bars and a riverside garden complete the estate. 

We are a registered charity.