The Comedy of Errors and A Company of Rascals Project
2 PLAYS, 5 LOCATIONS, 2 COMPANIES, 78 YEARS OF GREAT THEATRE-MAKING*
*combined**
**so far
The Comedy of Errors and A Company of Rascals
Thu 10 - Sat 26 Jul 2025
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Guildford Shakespeare Company are delighted to be working together for the first time on a major new project shining a light on theatre-making in the town centre, celebrating the end of Yvonne Arnaud’s yearlong major refurbishment in its 60th year.
William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors and A Company of Rascals by Phil Porter take place at, and around, the Yvonne Arnaud from Thursday 10 until Saturday 26 Jul 2025.
Shakespeare’s farcical tale of two sets of identical twins, full of slapstick and mistaken identity, will be performed in tandem with a brand-new comedy by Phil Porter, set in the same world, exploring the story behind the story of Shakespeare’s characters.
Both plays are performed by one cast, at the same time, cleverly intertwining the action, as they move from the main stage for The Comedy of Errors to locations around the theatre for A Company of Rascals. Timing will be everything.
The plays will be directed by Joanna Read, Director and Chief Executive of the Yvonne Arnaud, who was previously Chair of the Guildford Shakespeare board. Both companies have worked together over the years, but this is the first time they have embarked on a project of this scale and impact.
Joanna Read said: ‘This is an important moment for the Yvonne Arnaud in its 60th year, as we complete a major refurbishment project. What better way to celebrate than with our friends at Guildford Shakespeare Company, combining our skills to create a landmark production for the town.’
Matt Pinches and Sarah Gobran, co-founders of Guildford Shakespeare Company commented: ‘The prospect of staging two wonderful comedies featuring the same cast, at the same time, across five locations is incredibly exciting! Bringing our two organisations together is something we have discussed for many years, and we’re looking forward to leaning into GSC’s site-responsive approach to open up all areas of the theatre and its riverside setting this summer.’
You can choose to see the plays individually, or for them both for the full experience.
Look out for a casting announcement in the new year.
