Rainbow Shakespeare at Worthing’s Magical Highdown Gardens
What could be more magical and essentially English, than watching an exciting, funny and understandable Shakespeare play in the open-air, whilst relaxing with a picnic and a drink.
Rainbow Shakespeare returns to Highdown Gardens to present two contrasting shows, understandable for all the family.
Picnic under the stars in one of the most beautiful places in Worthing and surrounds, and become part of what has become one of the great Sussex traditions: Rainbow Shakespeare! Bring the family and friends, make new friends in a unique setting. Sparkling professional actors along with some community performers will bring the plays alive in unforgettable productions of lively, spontaneous, ungimmicky Shakespeare that all ages can understand and enjoy.
This is Rainbow’s 25th Season, and once again they look forward to welcoming you to join in the celebration of live theatre-at its very best. This year Rainbow presents one of the Bard’s most thrilling tragedies followed by one of his most popular romantic comedies:
Macbeth:
Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th July 2025
Battles, witches, murder, ghosts and things that go bump in the night – all the ingredients that make a thrilling, theatrical experience are in this spine-chilling, spooky play about a scheming wife and her ambitious husband driven to murder their king. Understandable, edge-of-your-seat action for all the family.
Book tickets for Rainbow Shakespeare Macbeth – on the WTM website
Much Ado About Nothing:
Tuesday 15th to Sunday 20th July 2025
Perfect summer entertainment about two intertwined love stories: one, where the feisty Benedick and equally fiery Beatrice believe fervently, they can’t stand each other – but their friends have other ideas! The second, where the romantic Claudio and Hero woo and prepare to wed, only to have the match threatened by the villainous Don John…! Comedy and tragedy, coloured with songs and dances!
Book tickets for Rainbow Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing – on the WTM website
“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 through 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 (cash only) 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 for the most up to date information on the Rainbow Shakespeare Facebook page and/or Rainbow Shakespeare website. Or at 6pm customers should ring this number: 07973 984 175. 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 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)
