Shakespeare’s Education

“O this learning! What a thing it is!”

What did Shakespeare learn at school? How much of his education do we know about? Join Guildford Shakespeare Company’s Matt Pinches, as we explore the books Shakespeare would have read and the things he would have learnt at school; we’ll also discover what he absorbed from games he played, stories he heard and what it would have been like to be a child and teenager in Elizabethan England… and crucially where such things appear in the plays and poetry he wrote.

About Matt

Matt trained at Bretton Hall, in West Yorkshire, in Dramatic Arts, and has worked in theatre for 25 years. Together with Sarah Gobran in 2006, he established Guildford Shakespeare Company and is extremely proud of the journey they, the company and their audiences have been on.

During this time, Matt has had the privilege of appearing in over 40 shows playing many dream roles, including: Benedick, Mr Toad, Edgar, Malvolio, Cassio, Touchstone, Bottom and Laertes. He is responsible for GSC's marketing and digital development, directs many of their one-events and, alongside Sarah, the charity’s overall development and strategy.

He regularly gives talks on Shakespeare and his world, and in 2016 made a film of his 146-mile fundraising walk from Shakespeare’s Birthplace to the Globe. Matt is a council member for the Surrey Chambers of Commerce. In 2019, he and Sarah were announced as Directors of the Year for Inclusivity, by the Institute of Directors (London & South region). He lives in Bramley with Claire and their dog Nellie.

Important Information:

The talk will take place in the barn at West Horsley Place. 

Matt's talk will be followed by a chance for the audience to ask questions. 

Access information HERE