Theatre

Theatre has been part of the soul of the Arundel Festival of the Arts since 1978. Today, theatre remains a core element of the 10-day Festival, and you can enjoy performances from amateur ensembles and professional theatre companies

in indoor and open-air venues across Arundel.

SHAKESPEARE AT THE CASTLE - 1978 the New Shakespeare Company staged Twelfth Night in Arundel Castle's Tilting Yard to raise money for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations. The event, which sold out twice, was such a success that the next year it seemed like a very good idea to do it again.... Shakespeare at the Castle is now celebrating its 48th year and this year's production is As You Like It.

DRIP ACTION THEATRE - Produce new, lesser-known work that will entertain, be thought-provoking, challenging and funny - often at the same time. Home productions are performed in their studio theatre at The Victoria Institute in Arundel, at The Town Hall and in private homes. This year's productions are Brainsluts and their daily Theatre Trail.

THE ARUNDEL PLAYERS - Were established in 1959. In the early days, the plays were performed at St. Mary’s Hall aligned to the then St. Philips Catholic church in London Road. When St. Philips became a Cathedral in 1965 St. Mary’s Hall was no longer available for hire. Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk, who was President of “the Arundel Players” at the time, instigated the use of the almost derelict Oratory in the Priory for the benefit of the Arundel Players.  With the help of Sponsors, and the support of many others, the Oratory was transformed by the Players in 1977 to become the intimate and lovely theatre "The Priory Playhouse" that you see today. This year's productions are Poor Visibility and Bleak Expectations.

BRITISH ACTORS' GROUP (B.A.G) - specialises in site-specific productions, performing sixty-minute plays and reviews as part of a unique dining experience. Having dined, ‘eavesdrop’ from your surrounding tables as the drama unfolds. The company has performed in restaurants around the world as well as throughout the UK. In their festival first, the professional actors, joined by Olivier-nominated director Caroline Smith and Radio 4 playwright Mark Burgess are serving up an intriguing new play at the Norfolk Arms Hotel As Clouds Go By.