New comedy Siobhan Basset’s THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES to reopen the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Photo credit: Michael Wharley

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford reopens next month with new comedy, Siobhan Basset’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, running from 3-12 June.

This new production is written by Olivier Award winner Sara Crowe, who also stars in the piece alongside Stefan Bednarczyk, is directed by Yvonne Arnaud Director and Chief Executive Joanna Read and designed by Neil Irish.

Lovingly crafted during lockdown in her spare bedroom in Teddington, Siobhan Basset (Crowe) is delighted to bring her magnum opus to the stage. In order to adhere, both physically and fiscally, to government measures, the production stars her husband, Michael (Bednarczyk) and may have to be achieved without set, crew, lights and sound, and potentially without an audience. A story for thriller lovers, ghost hunters and dog lovers, let us make haste to the moor!

Sara Crowe said: “I am delighted to be opening Siobhan Basset's The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Yvonne Arnaud. This beautiful theatre has played a big part in my life, from joining the Youth Theatre as a teenager to many subsequent visits there with touring productions over the years. But surely the icing on the cake is the wonderful support Joanna Read and the team at the Yvonne Arnaud have given me for a new creation, which has come out of a time of great difficulty for all.  

“My purpose in writing it was an enduring belief that 'Against the onslaught of laughter, nothing can stand.' I have always loved the story of The Hound of the Baskervilles, a tale with such atmosphere: remote houses, misty moors, supernatural creatures and the like. Somehow my love of this story and a love of comedy have collided and Siobhan Basset's adaptation is the result.

“I think there will be high spirits as theatre slowly starts to reopen, where all the creative pursuits which were fostered during lockdowns will come bursting to life. And just like when the theatres reopened after the plague and the blitz, they truly will come back even stronger- and something we have all hoped for has not been lost, but will come storming back. It will be exhilarating to be back on stage again.”

Following this performance, the Donmar Warehouse’s acclaimed sound installation Blindness will run from 21-26 June, along with live music in the theatre’s riverside garden and an exciting programme of drama and family work.

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