Guildford Shakespeare Company to make US Debut in New York

The award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) are set to make their United States debut with a 5-week run in New York this Summer.

Playing at 59E59 Theaters in their prestigious annual Brits Off Broadway programme, the Guildford-based theatre company will be presenting their acclaimed adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, currently running in Guildford. Founded by Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches in 2006, who still lead the company, GSC began with a simple mission to create exceptional theatre in extraordinary places.

Hailed as “uproariously funny” (The Stage), “feel-good theatre” (Londontheatre1), the production premiered in Guildford in Feb 2024 and subsequently enjoyed a 5-star run at London’s Jermyn Street Theatre in August. It is currently running again in Guildford (ends 1st March) before visiting Wilton’s Music Hall and the Caribbean aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria, before transferring to New York.

This adaptation sees three actors conjure 18 unforgettable characters to life in a breathless 120 minutes. The original “brilliant cast” (Daily Mail) of APRIL HUGHES (“delightful” Muddy Stilettos), SARAH GOBRAN (“masterful” British Theatre Guide) and LUKE BARTON (“an especially nuanced performance” The Stage), will take it 59E59 Theaters. The production is adapted and directed by ABIGAIL PICKARD PRICE. Replete with Regency dances, dresses and desires, it is intricately choreographed by AMY LAWRENCE and elegantly designed by NEIL IRISH.

MATT PINCHES (GSC Co-Founder & Producer): “We are incredibly honoured to have been selected to be part of 59E59 Theaters’ acclaimed Brits Off Broadway season. It’s a testament to the brilliance and talent of the artistic team and cast of this special show. We’re equally proud to be taking the name of Guildford to the United States and to see the company name outside the theatre between Madison and Park Avenues, a few steps from Central Park, will be a very special moment.”

Launched in 2004, the BRITS OFFBROADWAY programme reflects the diversity and innovation within the UK’s vibrant theatre community and demonstrates 59E59’s role as a hub for new, independent work. Past seasons of the festival have seen unforgettable productions, such as Richard Bean’s Toast, Mike Bartlett’s Bull, and multiple premieres of works by Alan Ayckbourn.

BRIAN BEIRNE (Managing Director of 59E59 Theaters): “Since 2004, 59E59 Theaters has annually hosted nine top notch British shows that audiences would not otherwise experience in NYC. Our generous presenting model sets visiting producers up for success by giving them the luxury to fully focus on bringing their stories to life.”

There’s still time to catch the show in the UK, in Guildford until 1st March and at Wilton’s Music Hall 10th & 11th March.

**US BOX OFFICE – 59E59 Theatres ** www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/pride-prejudice/ **DATES ** 30th May – 29th June

ARTISTIC TEAM Adapted by Abigail Pickard Price with Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches Directed by Abigail Pickard Price Set & Costume Design Neil Irish Lighting Design Mark Dymock Sound Design Matt Eaton Movement Direction Amy Lawrence Assistant Designer & Costume Supervisor Anett Black

GSC/UK ENQUIRIES & IMAGES Matt Pinches matt@guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk 07971 234141

About Guildford Shakespeare Company

“Inventive, entrepreneurial. Bravo.” The Daily Telegraph, 2024
Founded by Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches in 2006, who still lead the company, Guildford Shakespeare began with a simple mission to create exceptional theatre in extraordinary places. By re-igniting people’s passion for theatre-going they seek to break down the boundaries that preclude participation, encouraging inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Their site-responsive approach places audiences right at the heart of the action, immersing them in the world of the play. Using churches, castles, galleries, museums, quarries, lakes, and even a real Boeing 747, the work encourages audiences to engage with their shared space and heritage, engaging with the stories as more than just something to watch. The GSC Outreach and Education department work with some 24,000 people, young and old, across the region, in a variety of settings. A large part of this work is aimed at improving engagement for socially excluded groups and the least advantaged in our community. Projects include primary after-school clubs, programmes for families with teenagers living with mental health challenges and Young Carers.

The company have received numerous awards for community engagement, including the Inclusivity, Diversity and Equality Award from the Institute of Directors in 2023. GSC is based in Guildford, Surrey, 35 miles from Central London.

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