GSC’s Pride & Prejudice in US

Karen Neville

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.”