The Hawth Theatre

The Hawth opened in April 1988, creating a dedicated home for arts and entertainment in Crawley. Set within peaceful woodland close to the town centre, the theatre was designed to provide a welcoming cultural venue for local residents and visitors alike.

Over the years, The Hawth has grown into one of the South East’s best-known regional theatres. It has hosted a wide variety of touring productions, live music, comedy, dance, family shows and community performances, while continuing to support local artists, schools and creative groups.

Hawth historical
A new theatre for a new town

1986

A new theatre for a new town

In 1986, plans were approved by Crawley Borough Council for a new theatre in an area of woodland known locally as The Hawth. Development began the same year.

The Hawth opens it's doors

1988

The Hawth opens it's doors

The Hawth first opened its doors to the public in April 1988 and ever since has offered a diverse programme of top-quality arts and entertainment.

Some of the many famous faces to have appeared on The Hawth stage include Richard Wilson, Alexandra Burke, Nigel Havers, Pandit Ravi Shankar,  Eddie Izzard, Jimmy Carr, Nigel Kennedy, Marti Pellow, Miranda Hart, Stephen Mulhern, Derren Brown and Romesh Ranganathan who recorded his Netflix special here.

A Royal visit

1992

A Royal visit

The Hawth hosted a Royal Gala in March 1992, when Her Royal Highness The Princess Of Wales attended a performance of London City Ballet's Romeo & Juliet.

The West End comes to Crawley

Through the years

The West End comes to Crawley

Hit West End musicals have included West Side Story, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Evita, Blood Brothers, Heathers, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Chicago and The Bodyguard. 

The modern Hawth

Present day

The modern Hawth

Present day

The Hawth continues to host the very best artists, musicians, dancers and performers from around the world, from household names and West End shows to artists presenting new performances, theatre, music, dance, and comedy.

Also encourage participation in the arts by giving local community groups the chance to perform on the stage and offering regular creative workshops in The Loft and Dance Studio.  

A new theatre for a new town

1986

A new theatre for a new town

In 1986, plans were approved by Crawley Borough Council for a new theatre in an area of woodland known locally as The Hawth. Development began the same year.

The Hawth opens it's doors

1988

The Hawth opens it's doors

The Hawth first opened its doors to the public in April 1988 and ever since has offered a diverse programme of top-quality arts and entertainment.

Some of the many famous faces to have appeared on The Hawth stage include Richard Wilson, Alexandra Burke, Nigel Havers, Pandit Ravi Shankar,  Eddie Izzard, Jimmy Carr, Nigel Kennedy, Marti Pellow, Miranda Hart, Stephen Mulhern, Derren Brown and Romesh Ranganathan who recorded his Netflix special here.

A Royal visit

1992

A Royal visit

The Hawth hosted a Royal Gala in March 1992, when Her Royal Highness The Princess Of Wales attended a performance of London City Ballet's Romeo & Juliet.

The West End comes to Crawley

Through the years

The West End comes to Crawley

Hit West End musicals have included West Side Story, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Evita, Blood Brothers, Heathers, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Chicago and The Bodyguard. 

The modern Hawth

Present day

The modern Hawth

Present day

The Hawth continues to host the very best artists, musicians, dancers and performers from around the world, from household names and West End shows to artists presenting new performances, theatre, music, dance, and comedy.

Also encourage participation in the arts by giving local community groups the chance to perform on the stage and offering regular creative workshops in The Loft and Dance Studio.