Archway Theatre

The Archway Theatre in Crawley is where you'll find proper community theatre done well - the sort of place that punches above its weight in terms of production quality and variety. It's housed in a converted building that's seen several lives, and these days it hosts everything from amateur dramatics to touring productions. You're looking at intimate audiences here, which means you actually feel close to the action rather than squinting at actors the size of postage stamps.

Who gets the most from it? Theatre-goers after something genuine, honestly. Families with kids will find plenty of kid-friendly shows on rotation, and if you're the sort who'd rather spend an evening watching real actors than staring at a screen, this beats most multiplex alternatives hands down. The programming leans towards accessible stuff - musicals, comedies, some pantomime during winter - rather than experimental theatre that'll leave you wondering what on earth you just watched.

Admission isn't free (check the website for ticket prices), and you'll want to allow an evening rather than a quick pop-in. It's worth programming into a park holiday if you're based at any of the nearby caravan sites - Henfold Lakes or Long Acres are within easy reach. Even if drama isn't your thing, Crawley itself has decent shops and restaurants, so you can make an evening of it without the theatre being the whole attraction.