Opened in 1988, The Hawth offers one of the liveliest and most diverse programmes of arts and performance in the South East.

Set in a 38 acre wooded site The Hawth's facilities include the Theatre (seating 855), Studio (seating 146) , a permanent foyer exhibition space, ArtsCafé coffee shop and bistro, two bars and an outdoor marquee and amphitheatre used for performances through the summer.

The programme of events includes 350 performances and events a year, attracting over 170,000 paying customers to the venue. The quality, range and diversity of the events have established the theatre as one of the most respected venues in the South East of England.

The theatre plays host to artists, musicians, dancers and performers from around the world, from household names to Broadway and West End shows to artists working at the 'cutting edge' presenting new performance, theatre and dance.

The Studio presents the best in contemporary theatre and dance, blues, folk, jazz and world music, South Asian theatre and dance, children's events, workshops and community events.

The theatre is regularly hired by both local and national businesses and arts organisations as a venue for conferences, exhibitions and events.