performing arts theatres

A sample of what’s on this summer at THE HAWTH theatre in Crawley

From 24th to 29th July the international award winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back!

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love.

Starring Zoe Birkett (ITV's Pop Idol, Moulin Rouge, The Great British Bake Off Musical) as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer.

(Disclaimer: Zoe Birkett will perform the role of Rachel Marron at all evening performances only. Cast and performance schedule subject to change without notice.)

From 1st to 4th August Heathers, the Musical arrives, a black comedy rock musical based on the eponymous 1988 film.

Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day, but when she joins the beautiful but cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity may finally come true. But… at what cost?

Meanwhile, two classic productions come to The Hawth's outdoor woodland amphitheatre.

On 1st August Robin Hood arrives in the amphitheatre. From the earliest ballads of Robin Hood, some pre-dating Chaucer, Illyria Outdoor Theatre bring a fastmoving, fun-packed family show to the outdoor stage.

Featuring tales of camaraderie, good against evil, swashbuckling action and riotous comedy, this remains one of Illyria's most popular ever titles. You'll definitely laugh, you'll probably cry – and if you're not cheering at the archery competition involving the entire audience then you must be dead. We also guarantee you will learn new uses for the phrase “Don’t Do This At Home”.

And on 12th September This Is My Theatre brings Much Ado About Nothing to the amphitheatre. Read all about this on page 58.

Visit www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth for all that The Hawth has in store.

RAINBOW SHAKESPEARE at Worthing's Highdown Gardens; July

Pack up those picnics and prepare yourselves for the unforgettable magic that is Worthing’s Highdown Gardens, as Rainbow Shakespeare are presenting two amazing and contrasting comedies this summer season.

“As a child, I was lucky enough to see Shakespeare at London’s Old Vic,” commented Director Nick Young, “and I wanted Worthing audiences to gain the same love of the Bard as I got then. To tell the stories of the plays without gimmicks and let the enchantment woo the audiences.”

The Tempest: Tuesday 11th – Sunday 16th July

Tells the story of powerful Duke Prospero who has been banished in a coup to a desert island with his young daughter, Miranda. He is a practicing magician and causes his enemies to be shipwrecked on his isle where he may be revenged on them.

Local children will play the parts of Prospero’s magical servants of sprites and strange creatures.

The Comedy of Errors: Tuesday 18th – Sunday 23rd July www.rainbowshakespeare.co.uk for more details.

Shakespeare’s funniest, knockabout comedy features two pairs of identical twins separated at birth. Nonstop madcap adventures arise when one twin comes across the wife of the other, who claims he is her husband.

Tickets can be purchased in advance through Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206206 or via https://wtm.uk. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate 90 minutes before each performance.