The theatre was built on the site of an old mill, reflected in its riverside location.
Yvonne Arnaud herself was a long-time resident of the Guildford area before her death.
The foundation stone was laid by Sir Michael Redgrave in 1964.
The Mill Studio was converted from a former granary building adjacent to the main theatre.
The theatre is a non-profit registered charity supported by the local council and private donors.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is a prominent regional arts venue situated on the banks of the River Wey in Guildford. Named after the French actress Yvonne Arnaud, the theatre opened in 1965 to provide a permanent home for professional drama and performance in Surrey. The facility features a 586-seat main auditorium and the smaller, flexible Mill Studio space. Its programming focuses on an eclectic mix of touring West End productions, classic plays, and contemporary works. The theatre serves as a key cultural hub, often hosting pre-London tryouts and regional premieres. Architectural features include its distinctive brick design integrated into the riverside landscape. The venue is fully accessible and maintains an active community education department.
The riverside terrace overlooking the River Wey, capturing the theatre's exterior architecture with the water in the foreground.
Book a table at the riverside cafe for views of the River Wey before your performance.
Check the Mill Studio listings for more experimental or intimate productions separate from the main stage bill.
Arrive early to walk through the landscaped riverside gardens directly outside the venue.
Do not wait until the day of the show to purchase tickets for popular touring productions, as they frequently sell out in advance.
Smart-casual attire is typical; avoid loud conversation during performances and silence mobile devices.
