Rainbow Shakespeare at Worthing’s Magical Highdown Gardens
Rainbow Shakespeare creates accessible, high-quality Shakespeare performances for audiences of all ages, from first-time viewers to lifelong theatre lovers.
Based in Highdown Gardens, their open-air productions are a highlight of the summer season in Worthing. As daylight fades, the gardens become a natural stage, creating a unique and immersive theatre experience.
The company combines clear storytelling, talented actors and a welcoming atmosphere to bring Shakespeare to life in an engaging and enjoyable way. Each performance is shaped by its audience and surroundings, making every show feel fresh and spontaneous.
Led by director Nick Young, Rainbow Shakespeare focuses on strong performances and a deep respect for the original text, making the plays accessible for modern audiences.
Bring a picnic, relax in the gardens, and experience Shakespeare in a truly memorable outdoor setting.
This year Rainbow presented one of the Bard’s most thrilling tragedies followed by one of his most popular romantic comedies:
- Romeo and Juliet: Verona…two warring families…and a pair of star-crossed lovers! Romeo Montague gatecrashes the Capulets’ party, where he meets Juliet. They fall deeply in love and secretly marry. A perfect summer romance, coloured with dances and swordfights!
- Richard III: Shakespeare’s take on the dastardly rise to power of the ambitious Richard, Duke of Gloucester. In the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses, bitter and cunning Richard plots against and subverts his brother, King Edward IV, from the throne; has the young princes murdered in the Tower of London and manipulates Lady Anne into marrying him. Haunted by the ghosts of those he has killed, Richard ultimately meets his demise at the Battle of Bosworth. Expect to be entertained with humour, intrigue, murder, ghosts and battles!
“Rainbow Shakespeare do a superb job of entertaining the audience!”
(The Argus, Brighton) ★★★★★
Times:
- Evening performances: Gates open at 6pm
- Matinee performances: Gates open at 12:30pm
Important Booking Information: Advance tickets for Rainbow Shakespeare on WTM are available to purchase up until 6pm the day before a performance. At the weekend, performances for Saturday and Sunday come off sale at 6pm the preceding Friday evening. On the day of a performance tickets may then be purchased at the gate at Highdown Gardens from 90 minutes before each show (subject to availability).
Weather: The company will perform in light to moderate rain, but if the weather is severe, then a performance may have to be cancelled.
For days when there is any doubt as to whether a performance will go ahead due to bad weather, all customers are advised to check Rainbow Shakespeare Facebook page and/or Rainbow Shakespeare website for the most up-to-date information. Or at 6 pm (12:30 pm on matinees), customers should ring this number: 07973 984175
If a performance is cancelled, customers can either exchange tickets for another performance or get a refund.
Seating: Please bring camping/garden chairs or rugs to sit on (If you want to be at the front) as there is no seating up at Highdown Gardens.
Access: Theatrical events at Highdown Gardens take place on the lower lawns and access is via the south gates located from the road below the hotel. Audience members will be required to use the top car park and make their way down the hill on the road to the entrance, a distance of about 200m. Members of the public with mobility issues can be dropped off by the entrance at the south gate before the car continues onto the car park. Please be advised that anyone in a wheelchair will need to have an able-bodied carer with them.
Photos: Orlando, Celia and Rosalind as Ganymede in As You Like It; Oliver Byng and Jake Snowden at Highdown; and audiences enjoying plays at Highdown (photos copyright Rainbow Shakespeare Theatre)
