Surrey


<p>At a time when so much of children’s downtime involves a screen, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford is doing something different &#8211; creating a space where imagination still gets to take centre stage.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-creative-learning-GALA26-8091.jpg" alt="Children on stage as part of the Creative Learning Programme at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-65776" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-creative-learning-GALA26-8091.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-creative-learning-GALA26-8091-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-creative-learning-GALA26-8091-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-creative-learning-GALA26-8091-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-creative-learning-GALA26-8091-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaginative-play-in-lots-of-ways">Imaginative play in lots of ways</h3>



<p>Since 2021, the theatre&#8217;s <a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/take-part/children-young-people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Learning Programme</a> has grown into a budding creative hub offering year-round workshops, holiday camps and creative projects for children and young people aged five to 18.</p>



<p>Yes, there’s theatre &#8211; including West End-led musical theatre and screen acting workshops &#8211; but the offering here goes much further. Coding, craft, web design and hands-on craft sessions sit comfortably alongside performance work.</p>



<p>“We’ve really tried to broaden the offer so it’s not just for the kids who already love drama,” says Rhiannon Fisher who runs the programme. “It’s about imaginative play in lots of different ways.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-pressure-just-confidence-and-maybe-the-next-dame-judi">No pressure, just confidence (and maybe the next Dame Judi)</h3>



<p>Whilst the theatre is undoubtedly a big draw, Yvonne Arnaud is not looking to produce the next Lily James or Dame Judi Dench (both Surrey gals, by the way!).</p>



<p>It’s all about building confidence, collaboration and creativity in a supported space where children can try things out without pressure.</p>



<p>“It’s about human interaction and play,” Rhiannon says. “They’re not just on screens. They’re working with other people, making new friends, creating something together.”</p>



<p>Across holiday workshops and camps, children are encouraged to experiment, shape ideas and see projects through &#8211; whether that ends in a short performance, a piece of art or a collaborative build.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opening-the-doors-wide">Opening the doors (wide)</h3>



<p>The best bit? It&#8217;s open to everyone. Alongside paid places, there are a number of bursary-funded spots available.</p>



<p>The idea is simple: children who might otherwise miss out &#8211; for financial or practical reasons &#8211; still get the chance to take part.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-stop-yvonne-arnaud-youth-theatre-takeover">Next stop: Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre takeover</h3>



<p>And there’s more to come too. In September 2026, a brand-new weekly Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre launches for 13 to 16-year-olds.</p>



<p>This isn’t a drop-in drama club situation. It’s a weekly term-time group working on real theatre skills &#8211; improvisation, devising, movement, text work &#8211; and building towards something shared each term.</p>



<p>Think early days spent getting to know each other and trying things out, followed by proper creative milestones: a first-term trip to Yvonne Arnaud&#8217;s pantomime, plus the opportunity to perform in front of audiences.</p>



<p>Again, it&#8217;s open to all &#8211; half of the 20 places will be bursary-funded.</p>



<p>As Rhiannon Fisher puts it: it’s really about creating a company of young people who grow together over time &#8211; not just learning skills, but learning how to work, think and make together.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-acts-still-to-come">More acts still to come</h3>



<p>The Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre is starting with one age group, but it’s very much just the opening scene. There are already plans to grow it into other age ranges, with a dedicated SEN strand planned further down the line.</p>



<p>For now though, the focus is on giving young people proper creative freedom to run with. Because at its heart, it really is that straightforward.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-stage-to-studio-summer-at-yvonne-arnaud-theatre"><strong>From stage to studio: summer at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre</strong></h2>



<p>Summer at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is packed with creativity, colour and plenty of hands-on fun. From drama camps and musical theatre masterclasses to craft sessions and imaginative play, there’s something to suit every curious young creative &#8211; here&#8217;s a selection of what&#8217;s on. Our advice? Book soon as they  fill-up fast. <a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-genre/workshop?page=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See the full programme here.</a></p>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-Family-fun-day.jpeg" alt="Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, family fun day." /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Summer family fun day</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p><strong>Wednesday 5 August</strong><br />A free, drop-in day of family fun at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Expect crafts, dressing up, a summer scavenger hunt, outdoor chalk art and face painting, plus cooling refreshments available from the Riverbank Kitchen. No booking needed &#8211; just turn up and dive into the fun.</p><p><a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/summer-family-fun-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MORE INFO</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-Drama-camp.jpeg" alt="Children on stage as part of the Creative Learning Programme at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey." /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Drama Camp: Epic Myths &amp; Mighty Legends</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p><strong>Monday 27 &#8211; Friday 31 July</strong><br />Calling all young adventurers. This five-day drama camp for 7 to 11-year-olds dives into a world of gods, monsters and legendary quests, with each day exploring a different mythological realm. Expect drama games, crafts, costume design and storytelling, culminating in a family sharing on the final afternoon. Book a single day, or the whole week.</p><p><a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/drama-camp-7-11yrs-epic-myths-mighty-legends-day-pass" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BOOK HERE</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-Musical-theatre-masterclass.jpeg" alt="Children taking part in the Creative Learning Programme at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey." /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Musical Theatre Masterclass</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p><strong>Monday 10 August</strong><br />West End performer Jenna Innes (<em>Heathers</em>, <em>Les Misérables</em>, <em>Sinatra the Musical</em>) brings her stage expertise to this high-energy musical theatre masterclass for children aged 13 to 18. Expect singing, storytelling and a West End-style dance routine, all delivered in a fun, supportive environment. No experience needed.</p><p><a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/musical-theatre-masterclass-jenna-innes-13-18yrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BOOK HERE</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/06/YAT-Making-workshop.jpeg" alt="The Creative Learning Programme at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey." /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Squishmallow-Making Workshop</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p><strong>Wednesday 12 August</strong><br />Join Artful Kids for a fun Squishmallow-inspired workshop where children design and make their own mini sock “squishy” and matching art canvas. Expect simple stitching, colourful craft materials and plenty of creative personality along the way. A relaxed, hands-on session where everyone leaves with two creations. Materials included.</p><p><a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/squishmallow-making-workshop-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BOOK HERE</a></p></div></div></div></div>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more">WANT MORE?</h2>



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Curtain up on creativity: inside the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s youth programme

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