Mention Worthing to any actor who began their career in repertory theatre, and they all say working at the Connaught Theatre ensured a prosperous career. Elizabeth Spriggs explained, “From Worthing you could go anywhere, the West End, Stratford-upon-Avon, television or straight into films.”
The theatre remained privately owned until 1966, when it was purchased by The Corporation and reopened in 1967 under the management of trustees.
Since 1999, the Connaught and Studio complex has been managed by Worthing Borough Council before transitioning to a trust in 2019.
During 2007, a lift was installed in the Connaught Theatre, providing wheelchair access to all floors. In 2010, new state-of-the-art seating was installed in the Connaught Theatre, and the Ritz had new Dolby digital SD projection and sound facilities installed, creating Worthing’s first SD cinema.
Image gallery
Venue Facilities
Toilets
Male and female toilets can be found on the first floor, located in the Connaught Foyer. Additional female toilets and baby change facilities can be found on the lower floor, accessible from the Connaught foyer.
An accessible toilet and baby change facility are located at the back of the main auditorium. Please speak to a member of the front of house team if you require to use this facility before entry is permitted.
Male, female, and baby change facilities, as well as accessible toilets, are also available in the Connaught Studio.
Tickets
The Box Office opens 30 minutes before the first film of the day and closes 30 minutes after the last film of the day starts. Please check our film schedule for times.
Refreshments
The Kiosk will be open 30 minutes before film times. Frasers Bar will be open 90 minutes before live shows.
Bag/buggy storage
There is no cloakroom facility. Large bags (measuring over 40cm x 30cm x 15cm) buggies/pushchairs are not permitted inside the auditorium. The Front of House team will be able to guide you on arrival on where to position your buggy in a safe space in the foyer.
Seating
Limited seating is available in the foyer & bar area. Access to your seats in the auditorium will typically be available 30 minutes before the show starts or 15 minutes before the advertised film time.
