The List

Archway Theatre

The Archway Theatre is a thriving 'little theatre' located under the railway arches in Horley, near Gatwick. - 95 seats accommodation. - 10 full productions every year. - 10 Performances over a two-week run. - Youth Workshops and Young Adults Workshop & productions. - Studio Theatre and Function Room. We pride ourselves on a professional approach, and we are rather ambitious with some of our productions. We try all aspects of theatre, from musicals through drama to pantomime. We are a club, so members can buy tickets, take advantage of the youth workshop facilities, and visit the members’ bar. Those wishing to go on stage or backstage are members of the company, who put on all the shows.

What's On @ Archway Theatre

Medea Euripides

Medea Euripides

21 May 2026 - 23 May 2026

Euripides Medea is a powerful and deeply unsettling Greek tragedy. Medea is a barbarian sorceress who fell in love with the Greek hero Jason and aided him in his quest for the famed Golden Fleece. Without her intervention, he would likely have failed and died. Now returned to Greece with their two sons, Jason seeks to take a new bride in the daughter of Creon, the Corinthian king, and tries to cast Medea aside. Rejected and betrayed, the play concerns Medeas bloody and terrible vengeance on her unfaithful husband and all those around him. It is a story of passionate love turned to hate, of justice and injustice confused with pride and rage, and the shocking and murderous consequences thereof. The play deals with disturbing subject matter, including infanticide.
A History of Falling Things

A History of Falling Things

29 Apr 2026 - 9 May 2026

Keraunothnetophobia is the fear of being struck by man-made satellites falling back to earth. Jacqui and Robin live just a few streets apart but are both prisoners of their fear of falling things. Robin was struck on the head as a seven-year-old and has since then sought sanctuary at home, Jacquis fear began during the 7/7 bombings when she was trapped on the Tube. Technology has its uses and for Robin and Jacqui it enables them to work from home. The internet is where they meet and strike up a friendship, but as their relationship develops both are forced to confront the fear that keeps them inside and explore what is real in their lives and what really matters; could they possibly meet? James Graham is the author of acclaimed plays such as Dear England, Ink, Quiz and Best of Enemies. A History of Falling Things premiered in 2009 and is a 21st century love story that is fearful, funny and moving.
Jack Absolute Flies Again

Jack Absolute Flies Again

3 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2026

Summer 1940. After an aerial dog fight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to rejoin his squadron and is shocked to find old flame, Lydia, on the base. Setting his sights on winning her heart (though with turbulence and hilarity never far away) Jacks advances quickly turn to anarchy when the young heiress demands to be loved on her own terms. The pursuit of love is also on the minds of other squadron members, their general and the formidable owner of their country house base, the infamous Mrs Malaprop. Sheridans classic comedy of manners, The Rivals, is given an uproarious update by Oliver Chris and Richard Bean, the award-winning writer of One Man, Two Guvnors. Hilarious mix-ups, crazy word play, heartwarming and heart-wrenching fun - all peppered with swinging songs of the 1940s - this is one you really dont want to miss!
I Do Not

I Do Not

15 Jul 2026 - 25 Jul 2026

All Marina and Callum want is the perfect Marvel meets Disney wedding or do they? While the bride and groom each have their own doubts about getting married, a rabble of family and friends gather for the big day. The wedding guests have too much to drink, place bets, bicker and nearly die of starvation. Grandma Pat is getting fed up waiting. Uncle Chris accidentally spills wine on his sisters girlfriend. Callums younger brother unwittingly becomes the victim of a curious game of cat and mouse. The (divorced) parents of the groom cannot stand each other and the maid of honour, Anneli, is trying not to lose her mind, or get distracted by the best man. And they say your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life. I Do Not is a snappy, yet curiously thoughtful comedy, taking a modern look at what it means to be in love and if marriage is really worth more than the paper it is written on. Ridiculous in places, touching in others, I Do Not offers an updated view on what commitment really means.
You Can't Stop The Rhythm

You Can't Stop The Rhythm

19 Aug 2026 - 29 Aug 2026

You Cant Stop the Rhythm takes you on a dazzling journey through the history of musical theatre, with sensational medleys bringing each era to live. This original production celebrates the way the stage has captured the spiritsprit of its time, from the cobblestones of the past to the bright lights of today. With show stopping numbers, inventive choreography and timeless melodies it is a joyful celebration of song, dance and theatrical magic. Whether you are a lifelong fan, or discovering these classics for the first time - get ready for an unforgettable experience of musical theatre through the decades.
Kill Thy Neighbour

Kill Thy Neighbour

23 Sept 2026 - 3 Oct 2026

Welcome to the village with views to die for Caryl and Merion have lived in this picture-perfect Welsh village for years - raising a family and repeatedly decorating, while watching their community slowly disappear. Now Caryl wants to escape, but Merion definitely wants to stay. Is it loyalty? Belonging? Or a dark secret that will keep them here forever? Lucy Lovatts dark comedy about love, marriage and feeling trapped in your own life is her first full length play, having spent many years as a creative producer in the West End and offers a fresh and funny take on place, family and the ties that bind communities together.
The Accrington Pals

The Accrington Pals

28 Oct 2026 - 7 Nov 2026

This is a touching story of friendship, love, and suffering. Set against the backdrop of World War 1 it captures the day to day lives of a Lancastrian Mill town and the groups of friends that joined up together, on a jingoistic wave. It spotlights the horrors faced by the boys at the front and the challenges faced by the women left behind. Full of humour, warmth and truth, this play connects us to a time in history that we should never forget. We will remember them.
A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

2 Dec 2026 - 12 Dec 2026

It is probably fair to say that almost everyone knows the story of A Christmas Carol. Maybe you are a fan of the book, or have seen one of the numerous adaptations: Alistair Sim in Scrooge Albert Finney in the musical, the cartoon with Mickey Mouse or Michael Caine with the Muppets - to name a few. Well, this year is your chance to see our very own take on this timeless classic, live on our lovely little stage. Theres nothing quite like the magic of theatre to bring this story alive. With a spectacular set, colourful costumes and a host of memorable characters, this is guaranteed to send you home with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
The Wrong Way Round - Youth Workshop

The Wrong Way Round - Youth Workshop

18 Jun 2026 - 20 Jun 2026

When their teacher mysteriously disappears and strange things begin to happen, the pupils at Ennville decide to investigate and find themselves in a different dimension, a parallel world. The Wrong Way Round is a hilarious musical mystery adventure with memorable, spine-tingling songs. Who is the Sticky Shadow? Why does Miss Sharman have a Slimeometer and why is the sign of the Zinnistar Research Facility the wrong way round? With so many memorable characters and opportunities for our workshoppers to shine, The Wrong Way Round is not to be missed!
Dingbats Improv Show - April

Dingbats Improv Show - April

10 Apr 2026 - 10 Apr 2026

The Archway Theatre sets the stage for Dingbats Improv, delivering another great evening of unscripted theatrical delights! Witness games, scenes, and stories crafted in the moment.This month's improv night features two brilliant showcases from our latest courses: Narrative Improv and Beginners. Expect untapped joy from our Beginners who will be showcasing your favourite short-form games and scenes, followed by bold fully improvised stories from our advanced Narrative cast created live on stage in the moment! "Pure genius and pure stupidity! Loved every moment of it!" "The Dingbats Improv Shows are the highlight of my month." "Hilarious" - Dame Judi The bar in the function room will be open. Suitable for ages 16+Tickets: 10. Online ticket sales only. Ticket sales close 1 hour before the start. 10th April 2026 / 8pm (doors 7.40pm) / The Archway Theatre Studio
Horley Arts Festival - Young Adults Showcase Stages
The Archway Theatre Young Adults Group, which features members aged 16-21 and is led by Ella Sowton, invites you to observe an open rehearsal showcase where they will develop ideas, exploring and discussing how to create performance from a theme. In honour of The Horley Arts Festival, their chosen theme, to reflect that of the festivals motif Community, is Stages of Life. Come and watch, engage and ask questions about how our young adults use drama to enhance mindfulness, connection, creativity, playfulness and confidence. We feel strongly that theatre is available for everyone and a brilliant outlet for young people to evolve their creative skills and socialise. Talking of socialising, our Studio Bar will be open from 7pm, so come along and have a drink and a chat with our members beforehand. Suitable for all ages; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free, but please buy a ticket to secure your space.
Horley Arts Festival - The Archway Theatre community showcase
The Archway Theatre puts on over 11 shows a year including 10 Main House productions, an open-air theatre production at Tilgate Park and a wide array of various art forms in the STUDIO space including dance, comedy, improv, music, sing along musicals, quizzes, karaoke, cabaret, adult workshops, childrens workshops and original writing, as well as well-known (and less well-known) published plays. Our Archway members would like to invite you to a community showcase, where they will throw a show together in a few hours and bring you a one-time-only production that features dance, musicals, magic, excerpts from plays & stage fighting. If you want to see how rehearsals progress into performance, why not come along 1pm-3pm in the day and watch the open rehearsals? And to make it a full night out, we recommend watching the Dingbats Improv Show at Horley Library first (7pm), then head on over to the Archway at 8pm for refreshments before the show begins. Its only a 3 min walk. This event is free, but please buy a ticket to secure your space. Suitable for all ages; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Line Dancing with Lauren

Line Dancing with Lauren

24 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026

Come on down to The Archway Studio for an exciting evening of Line Dancing, led by long-time Country music fan, Lauren Fielding. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this fun and relaxed session will focus on building the Line Dance basics, giving folks the chance to learn a few routines together in a low-pressure environment. For more experienced dancers, there will be the option to learn an extra Improver level routine in the latter part of the session. If you prefer to keep things simple, no problem - the bar will be open for yall, if youd like to grab yourselves a tipple to toast your progress! No experience needed just bring your enthusiasm! Top Tips for a Rootin Tootin Good Time: Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle! Wear your favourite Western attire or gym gear Cowboy boots are encouraged but bring back-up footwear if youre not used to dancing in them!
Drama Summer School 2026

Drama Summer School 2026

3 Aug 2026 - 3 Aug 2026

A week long intensive drama workshop (for 8-14 year olds) full of games, exercises and Drama skills lead by two experienced drama practitioners. Make new friends, discover new talents, build confidence and self awareness and have loads of fun! Bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. Wear loose, comfy clothes and sensible footwear. Cost of week 100 Venue: The Archway Theatre Studio Complex, Horley

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