Hawth Theatre

The Hawth Theatre is an arts and entertainment complex set in 38 acres of woodland just half a mile from Crawley town centre in West Sussex. Owned by Crawley Borough Council and run by Parkwood Theatres, it opened in April 1988 after plans were approved in 1986. The site sits in an area of woodland known locally as The Hawth, which gave the theatre its name. In 1992, the theatre hosted a performance of London City Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet attended by Diana, Princess of Wales. Its programme ranges from touring productions to community events, supporting both established and emerging artists. The theatre’s main auditorium seats up to 855 and can be adapted for exhibitions or conferences, with a stage 21 metres wide and 13 metres deep. A smaller Studio space seats 146 and hosts contemporary dance, jazz, folk and comedy, while an outdoor amphitheatre in the woodland behind hosts summer productions and festival events. Two bars and a restaurant serve visitors, and a summer marquee on the lawns hosts the Crawley Folk Festival and world music performances. Visitors find a mix of professional touring shows, new writing by Pitchy Breath Theatre Company, and community festivals like the Crawley International Mela. The foyer doubles as an exhibition space, and the woodland setting provides a peaceful backdrop for outdoor performances. From Shakespeare in the amphitheatre to circus conventions, the programme reflects the theatre’s role as a cultural hub for the region.