Love’s Labour’s Lost & Much Ado About Nothing

Critically acclaimed theatre company Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) has revealed its highly anticipated 2026 summer season, the centrepiece of its 20th anniversary year. Running from 1st to 25th July, the company returns to the idyllic grounds of Braboeuf Manor, bringing together two of Shakespeare’s most delightful romantic comedies, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing, in co-production with Orange Tree Theatre (OT). Following its run in Guildford, the productions will head to the gardens of Thomas’s College, for OT on the Hill, from 31st July to 22nd August. A distinct open-air theatrical event, the productions are presented as a unique, interconnected experience, with the shows spanning several years and exploring the enduring complexities of love.

Tom Littler, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of the OT, stages these two beloved Shakespeare comedies as a single, sweeping narrative set either side of World War II. In a joyful reimagining, the story unfolds across two summers, 1939 and 1945, allowing audiences to follow the same characters over time. This compelling approach picks up on the long-debated idea that Much Ado About Nothing may, in fact, be the elusive Love’s Labour’s Won, a possible sequel to Love’s Labour’s Lost which explores what might have happened next after one of comedy’s greatest cliffhangers. 

The two productions will run in repertory throughout July, giving audiences the chance to enjoy each play independently or experience both in a single day. Both productions will be performed by a single ensemble cast, enabling audiences to follow the same characters as their stories unfold, featuring Phoebe Pryce and James Sheldon as Beatrice/Rosaline and Benedick Berowne; Joëlle Brabban as Hero/Moth; Sally Cheng as Margaret/Jaquenetta; Jeremy Lloyd as Costard/Borachio; Chirag Bendict Lobo as Claudio Dumain and Owen Oakeshott as Prince of Navarre/Don Pedro. The production also brings on the internationally acclaimed Matthew Floyd Jones to compose, best recognised as one half of the acclaimed comedy duo Frisky & Mannish.

I only saw Love's Labour's Lost, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was engaging, well-made and managed to keep everyone captivated despite the heat! The cast were brilliant throughout, full of wit and energy. What stood out most was the shift in tone towards the end. As the war started to loom, the production became more poignant and thought-provoking, adding real depth to the story. It wasn't simply a light-hearted comedy,  it left the audience with something meaningful to think about. Overall, it was a wonderfully strong production, combining humour, emotion and exceptional performances - Culture Calling 

Where: Braboeuf Manor, Guildford, GU3 1HA

When: 1st July - 25th July 2026

Tickets: From £18.50

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