WINTER SEASON 2026/27 AT CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
This Winter, Chichester Festival Theatre is the place to see some of the country’s most
exciting touring theatre, music, comedy and dance.
From James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning Best New Play Punch and the cult phenomenon turned smash-hit musical Heathers, to imaginative looks at three fascinating trios: the comedians Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe in The Last Laugh, and Labour politicians Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland in The Gang of Three – both direct from London runs – there’s a wealth of unforgettable stories. A gripping new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time featuring Joe McFadden and Charlie Brooks sits alongside Noël Coward’s celebrated comedy Present Laughter starring Tracy-Ann Oberman, James Dreyfus and Adrian Lukis.
More beloved novels come to the stage with Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities and Khaled Hosseini’s acclaimed A Thousand Splendid Suns, while Jane Asher, Matthew Cottle, David Robb and Samantha Womack evoke the fashion choices of the late Queen in By Royal Appointment, and Giovanna Fletcher returns in the tense thriller Before I Go To Sleep.
At the heart of the Christmas programme is Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, brought to life by Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, and the return of Hey! Christmas Tree, alongside our much-loved Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Concerts. Enchanting ballet The Nutcracker rounds off the festive season in magical style.
An outstanding programme of one-night events includes Dame Judi Dench, Sir Derek Jacobi, The Archers Live at 75 and Sara Pascoe.
The Winter season follows the final shows of Festival 2026, created specially for our stages: A Midsummer Night’s Dream relocates Shakespeare’s exuberant comedy to 1990s Sussex, where rave culture collides with magic on the South Downs; while in the Minerva Theatre, Antigone Exits brings Greek tragedy blazing into the present day. Meanwhile, our newest venue, The Nest, continues to buzz with a vibrant year-round programme.
THE LAST LAUGH 3 – 7 November | Festival Theatre
Direct from a London run, The Last Laugh imagines three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – in a dressing room, discussing the secrets of life, death, comedy and what it means to be really funny…
Written and directed by Paul Hendy, The Last Laugh stars Damian Williams as Cooper, Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse and Steve Royle as Morecambe. Poignant, nostalgic, warm and funny, this is a heartfelt celebration of a golden age of British entertainment.
HEATHERS The Musical 10 – 14 November | Festival Theatre
Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day. But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. That is until J.D., the mysterious teen rebel, teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it’s murder being a somebody.
Following smash hit runs in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical comes to Chichester. With book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, based on the iconic movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater and written by Daniel Waters, Heathers the MusicaI – directed by Andy Fickman – is wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun. For ages 14+
THE GANG OF THREE 10 – 14 November | Minerva Theatre
Deep in the heart of the corridors of power, the Labour Party’s Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland clash over the soul of British socialism and their own relentless ambitions. Set against the backdrop of economic crisis, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s acclaimed political drama brings to life the personalities, principles and private tensions that shaped a generation of politics.
Following a sell-out smash hit run in London, The Gang of Three is a chance to revisit a defining moment in the battle for the soul of the Labour Party, which captures the towering intellects, fierce rivalries and the private tensions behind public power. Sharp, provocative and richly entertaining, this is political theatre at its most gripping. Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, the production stars original cast members Alan Cox as Tony Crosland, Hywel Morgan as Roy Jenkins and Colin Tierney as Denis Healey.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME 17 – 21 November | Festival Theatre
Chris Boone is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is discovered killed, she comes under suspicion. Determined to prove her innocence, Chris becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue uncovered. What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, forcing Chris to confront truths that will test her courage, family, and understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
Mark Haddon’s internationally celebrated novel that captivated 10 million readers, adapted by Simon Stephens, comes to Chichester in a brand-new staging. Joe McFadden (The Shawshank Redemption, UK tour; 2:22 A Ghost Story, West End; Strictly Come Dancing winner 2017) and EastEnders favourite Charlie Brooks (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, UK tour; The Ocean at the End of the Lane, National Theatre) star as Chris’s parents, Ed and Judy. Inventive, gripping, and moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story.
THE SILENCE AND THE NOISE 17 – 21 November | Minerva Theatre
Daize has a sharp tongue and a sharper blade. Ben has killer trainers and not much else. She’s determined to protect her mum from his drug-dealing boss – but can two neglected teenagers change their destinies? These natural enemies start to find something in each other no adult has ever given them.
Winner of the 2021 Papatango Prize from over 1,400 scripts, Tom Powell’s extraordinary play beautifully portrays two young people finding hope together. This stage premiere from Papatango Theatre Company and Pentabus is directed by Papatango’s Artistic Director George Turvey. For ages 13+
Tracy-Ann Oberman, James Dreyfus and Adrian Lukis in
PRESENT LAUGHTER 24 – 28 November | Festival Theatre
Geri Essendine is a hugely successful actress (who has been 39 for the best part of a decade). Her personality, wit and charm have earned her a legion of devoted fans, and a coterie of friends, acquaintances and hangers-on. Just as she is about to depart for a tour of Australia, Geri finds herself besieged by a bevy of would-be lovers, not to mention her long-suffering secretary, estranged husband and an obsessed young playwright. Will she ever disentangle herself from their tightening clutches and incessant demands? And deep down, does she really want to…?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – known to millions from roles in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner – stars as Geri Essendine in this new production of Noël Coward’s celebrated and hilarious portrayal of the temptations and pitfalls of theatrical celebrity, returning to the stage following her highly acclaimed performance in The Merchant of Venice 1936. James Dreyfus is well-loved for his TV roles in Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Thin Blue Line and Mount Pleasant. Adrian Lukis’s screen credits include Pride and Prejudice, The Crown, Judge John Deed and in theatre, Being Mr Wickham which he co-wrote and has performed in London, New York, and on tour. Lindsay Posner directs.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS 1 – 5 December | Festival Theatre
Ages 7+
The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood and Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatre’s traditional, uplifting Christmas Concerts – guaranteed to leave audiences feeling merry and bright. Brimming with yuletide cheer, the concerts promise cherished carols and classic melodies, alongside new arrangements and a seasonal sing-a-long.
HEY! CHRISTMAS TREE 5 – 27 December | Minerva Theatre
Written by Vicki Berwick Relaxed Performance: 9 December
From a poem by Michael Morpurgo
Music and Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer
Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo and written by Vicki Berwick, returns to the Minerva Theatre following its hugely popular 2024 premiere.
Tree is rescued from the forest on Christmas Eve by Mavis, the motorbiking park ranger, who lives with her cheeky cat Winston and 9-year-old Yulia, who doesn’t want to talk and is a long way from home. Tree has never had Christmas before and isn’t sure about all the decorations he has to wear. But he meets Father Christmas and the Snow Woman, and with Yulia to care for him, he starts to dance. The seasons come and go, Tree grows taller, and soon Christmas comes around once again. And alongside the gifts in their stockings is the best present of all.
Inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s book of poems My Heart Was a Tree, it’s a perfect first festive theatre trip for 3 to 7 year olds. Dale Rooks, whose Chichester productions include The Butterfly Lion, Running Wild and A Boy Called Christmas, directs.
Original cast members Olivia Arnold (Yulia), Callum Balmforth (Winston), Amanda Gordon (Mavis) and Nick Howard-Brown (Tree) return, joined by Iona Crampton as Father Christmas/Susan the Snow Woman.
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present 14 – 30 December | Festival Theatre
Stiles and Drewe’s
PETER PAN – a musical adventure
Music by George Stiles
Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
In a new version by Anthony Drewe
Based on the book by Willis Hall
Adapted from J.M. Barrie’s original play with permission from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – a musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.
Join Chichester Festival Youth Theatre in this magical and exciting tale about the three Darling children – Wendy, John and Michael – whose world changes when a boy who doesn’t want to grow up flies into their London bedroom, and teaches them how to take wing themselves. And so begins an awfully big adventure more deliciously dangerous and thrilling than they could ever have imagined.
Reaching the island of Never Land, they meet the cheeky fairy Tinker Bell, quarrelsome Lost Boys, mysterious mermaids, rapscallion pirates and, of course, the elegant and menacing Captain Hook…!
An unmissable, classic musical adaptation presented by the multi-talented Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, directed by Lucy Betts (The Wizard of Oz) and supported by a full
professional creative team.
For ages 7+. There will be a Relaxed Performance on 30 December at 2pm.
New English Ballet Theatre
THE NUTCRACKER 6 – 10 January | Festival Theatre
New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovsky’s original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling, this production offers an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.
At a glittering modern-day Christmas party, Clara is gifted a Nutcracker by an eccentric entertainer, unaware that it will lead her into a dreamlike world of snowy landscapes, mystery and magic.
This fresh interpretation of the timeless ballet is created by Valentino Zucchetti, one of NEBT’s Associate Choreographers and a First Soloist of The Royal Ballet. The production features elegant, expressive movement and breathtaking performances by inspiring guest artists. Perfect for families, first-time and seasoned ballet-goers alike, The Nutcracker is reimagined with sparkle, heart, and joyful creativity – a magical celebration of the festive season.
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT 19 – 23 January | Festival Theatre
The late Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her discretion. She never said anything in public that could ruffle the lightest of feathers. But she had one way of expressing what she really thought – through her wardrobe. She charms the world through coats and admonishes her family through a carefully chosen hat. But the Queen herself is uninterested in fashion; her look is managed by her Designer, her Milliner and most powerful of all, her Dresser: a working-class girl who goes from advising the Queen on the colour of her lipsticks to the real power behind the throne. But The Dresser, like all royal favourites, is living on borrowed time.
By Royal Appointment is a funny, poignant and celebratory new play and a behind thescenes peek into the world of our most popular monarch and the image she presented to the world. Starring Jane Asher as The Queen, stage and screen star Samantha Womack as The Dresser, Downton Abbey star David Robb as The Designer with Matthew Cottle as The Milliner, the play is written by Daisy Goodwin who created the hit ITV series Victoria and directed by Anthony Banks.
SPITFIRE GIRLS 19 – 23 January | Minerva Theatre
New Year’s Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire pub. As we hear their story, we’re transported back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies.
Spitfire Girls, written by Katherine Senior, is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope. For ages 10+
Giovanna Fletcher in
BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP 2 – 6 February | Festival Theatre
Actor, author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher stars in the world stage premiere of Before I Go To Sleep. Based on the international bestselling novel by S.J. Watson which became a hit film, it is adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Loveday Ingram. This tense, fast-paced psychological thriller explores the fragile vulnerability of memory, identity and trust – with twists and turns that will keep audiences gripped until its shocking climax. For ages 15+.
Christine appears to have an idyllic life – with one terrible exception. Every night, when she goes to sleep, she loses her memory. Every morning she wakes up remembering nothing from the last 20 years of her life – not even the loving husband lying next to her. As she desperately tries to piece her life back together, hidden and terrifying truths begin to emerge, forcing her to question everything and everyone around her.
THE RECKONING 2 – 6 February | Minerva Theatre
A journalist meets a man in a ruined village outside Kyiv. The Man from Stoyanka is a security guard, just an ordinary man. But when everyone else flees, he stays. As his home turns into a no man’s land, he chooses to take extraordinary action. And she’s there to record it – for the history books, the courts, for humanity.
Playful and unsettling, Offie-nominated The Reckoning, written by Anastasiia Kosodii and Josephine Burton, blends storytelling, movement, music and cooking to bring one man’s truth into sharp, startling relief. Based on real events within The Reckoning Project’s verified archive of witness testimonies of the Russian war in Ukraine, each performance is followed by Food for Thought, a reflection from a journalist, lawyer or those with direct experience of the conflict.
Charles Dickens’ A TALE OF TWO CITIES 9 – 13 February | Festival Theatre
In 1770s Paris, revolution is stirring. Sydney Carton is a brilliant yet cynical barrister from England. Charles Darnay is the rebel child of French aristocrats. When they both fall for charming émigré Lucie Manette, a chain of events is set in motion which will endanger everyone. As the Reign of Terror rages on the streets of Paris, for some, love is a lifeline; for others, a sentence to the guillotine.
Adapted by Terence Rattigan (The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea) and John Gielgud, based on Dickens’ classic novel, this epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption asks: is there any price too great to pay for love? A Tale of Two Cities is a Marlowe Theatre production, directed by Michael Fentiman (Amélie, RCS’s Titus Andronicus, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Loot).
BIRDCATCHER 10 – 13 February | Minerva Theatre
Birdcatcher is a darkly comic drama about a teenage girl navigating life inside a doomsday
cult. Set in East Yorkshire, the play shines a light on the murky, repressive underworld of
religious “high control groups” in the UK – and asks how you find yourself in a world you
think is about to end.
This production from Pentabus, the Nation’s Rural Theatre, is directed by BAFTA-winning Artistic Director Elle While (Mother Courage, Richard III Shakespeare’s Globe) and written by rising star and award-winning playwright Laura Waldren, whose first play Some Demon won the 2023 Papatango Prize. All performances have audio description integrated into the production. For ages 12+
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS 16 – 20 February | Festival Theatre
Birmingham Rep presents its powerful production of Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns – which has sold over 38 million copies worldwide and is Hosseini’s spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner – adapted for the stage by Ursula Rani Sarma.
In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife. Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies.
PUNCH 23 – 27 February | Festival Theatre
Winner of the Olivier, Critics’ Circle and London Standard Awards for Best New Play: a powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End, Punch comes to Chichester for one week only as part of its UK tour.
Suitable for ages 12+.
From Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s
Sherwood), based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne, Punch brings Jacob’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production directed by Adam Penford (Atonement, The Sound of Music).
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life
Music, Performance and Comedy
Judi Dench: Is it too late to make a run for it? 28 October | Festival Theatre
Dame Judi Dench joins her friend and writing partner Brendan O’Hea in conversation about her extraordinary new memoir. At turns deeply touching and riotously funny, this evening will show Judi at her inimitable best: telling the stories of a lifetime spent as one of the world’s best-loved performers.
Liza Pulman & Joe Stilgoe: Hooray for Hollywood 29 October | Festival Theatre
The dynamic duo return with their hit new show, weaving a century of movie-musical songs to life, once again in their own unique fashion, in an evening of laughter, romance and pure joy.
Stitches Comedy Club present
Sara Pascoe, Zoe Lyons and Stephen K Amos 30 October | Festival Theatre
Three amazing household-name comedians come to CFT for a one-off night of hilarity, introduced by award-winning comedian and compere James Alderson. For ages 16+
The Archers: Live at 75 31 October | Festival Theatre
Hosted by comedian and superfan Angela Barnes and set at the beloved Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, The Archers steps onto the stage with Timothy Bentinck (David Archer), Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter), Ben Norris (Ben Archer) and Annabelle Dowler (Kirsty
Miller).
Juliet & Romeo 5 – 7 November | Minerva Theatre
It turns out Juliet & Romeo they didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding; they grew up and lived happily ever after. Well, they lived at least. With Lost Dog’s blend of dance, theatre and comedy, this duet, directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ben Duke, takes on our cultural obsession with youth and our inevitable issues with longevity. For ages 13+
Mitch Benn: The Lehrer Effect 23 November | Minerva Theatre
Mitch Benn looks at the legacy of elusive American comic songwriting legend Tom Lehrer, the creative debt that he – and all who mix humour and melody – owe to him, and performs some of his own more Lehreresque songs. Expect a few Mitch Benn-ified covers of Tom’s most famous creations as well.
Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand-Up Years 24 November | Minerva Theatre
Mark Thomas celebrates 40 years at the mic. In that time he has changed laws on tax, jailed arms dealers, kickstarted a comedy circuit in Palestine, given evidence before three Parliamentary select committees and taken the police to court three times and won. Expect a taster menu of mayhem, jokes and rants. For ages 16+
Burt Bacharach:
His life story in music and theatre 25 & 26 November | Minerva Theatre
Composer, songwriter, record producer and pianist, Burt Bacharach is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music. His life is revealed as his four wives gather at the Brill Building at the behest of Hal David to share memories of Burt. Written and directed by Mike Carey, featuring an 11-piece ensemble.
Zoe Rahman: Hull Suite Live 27 November | Minerva Theatre
Zoe Rahman and her electrifying world-class jazz trio present their thrilling new album Hull Suite Live. Based on themes of voyage, migration and the sea, expect earthy blues influences, soulful melodies and cinematic musical textures.
I Musicanti 9 January | Minerva Theatre
Founded and directed by the internationally acclaimed double bassist Leon Bosch, I Musicanti is a mixed instrument chamber ensemble bringing together many of Britain’s leading musicians, internationally renowned soloists and principal orchestral players. Soloist Jack Liebeck joins the quintet to perform pieces by Mozart, Farrenc and Beethoven.
Yippee Ki Yay / Top Gunchained 11 – 16 January | Minerva Theatre
Director and performer Richard Marsh with Yippee Ki Yay and Top Gunchained – his
joyfully funny, unauthorised parody celebrations of favourite films Die Hard and Top Gun.
Essential viewing for superfans and newcomers alike.
Fascinating Aïda: Bawdacious! 14 January | Festival Theatre
Devilishly funny and gloriously glamorous Dillie, Liza and Adèle, with Michael Roulston on piano, are back. With brand new songs generated by human neural networks and using their combined deep‑learning age of 278 years, they have data-mined their back catalogue to bring audiences their greatest, most sensationally analogue show ever!
Tarantara! A Gala Celebration of Gilbert & Sullivan 15 January | Festival Theatre
Featuring favourites from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore, these gala concert performances from Tarantara’s brilliant 34-piece orchestra and eight renowned soloists will be a glorious celebration of all that’s best in G&S’s extraordinary operas.
Sir Derek Jacobi in conversation with Richard Clifford
16 January at 2.30pm | Festival Theatre
Sir Derek Jacobi has BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Guild and Tony Awards. With his
partner, actor and director Richard Clifford in the driving seat, there will be an incredible
insight into his life and work, with the joy of Shakespeare and so much more.
Friday Night Is Music Night: BBC Concert Orchestra 28 January | Festival Theatre
Join the BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Tess Jackson for the BBC’s popular, longrunning radio show, including Percy Grainger’s Shepherd’s Hey, Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte, Ruth Gipps’ Knight in Armour and Haydn’s evergreen Trumpet Concerto with star trumpeter Kate Moore.
The BBC Big Band and Claire Martin: The Art of Swing 29 January | Festival Theatre
The BBC Big Band are joined by multi-award winning vocalist Claire Martin and renowned
conductor Barry Forgie for a celebration including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Peggy
Lee, plus classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman.
The Magic Flute 30 & 31 January | Minerva Theatre
An acclaimed dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute, adapted and
directed by Luca Silvestrini. Join the fun-loving Papageno and Prince Tamino as they
journey through a magical world. Brought to life through Protein’s playful mix of dance,
storytelling, singing and striking visuals, this enchanting family show for ages 7+ is filled with humour, adventure and heart
The Lion Inside 16 – 21 February | Minerva Theatre
Ages 3+ Daytimes, check schedule
Based on the book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, adapted & directed by Sarah Punshon with
music & Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer, The Lion Inside is a heart-warming tale about
confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.
Who Let the Gods Out? 24 – 28 February | Minerva Theatre
Ages 7+ Daytimes, check schedule
With book and lyrics by bestselling author Maz Evans and music by Luke Bateman, this first
adventure in the brilliant Who Let The Gods Out? series is brought to life in a hilarious
brand-new stage musical. Elliot needs to save the world – and save his mum. Enter some
epic Greek Gods with a few tricks up their togas…
Nerina Pallot: Fire Escape Symphonies 12 March | Minerva Theatre
Following her acclaimed Royal Albert Hall performance celebrating 25 years of music, Brit
and Ivor Novello nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot performs completely solo, armed only with her songs, stories, piano and guitar: a rare opportunity to experience her music in its most direct and personal form.
Community events
Intermezzo 7 & 8 January | Minerva Theatre
An eclectic new repertoire of works presented by Chichester College dance students,
encompassing a diverse range of dance styles from jazz to contemporary and commercial.
Children’s Concert 12 January | Festival Theatre
Southern Pro Musica’s ever-popular introduction to live music played by a full professional
orchestra, compered by musical magician Neil Henry and conducted by Jonathan Willcocks.
United Voices 13 January | Festival Theatre
Primary school children from across the Chichester area come together to sing songs linked by the theme of connection and community, celebrating and showcasing the love of singing in harmony, conducted by Emily Barden.
Shoah – Chichester Marks Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January | Minerva Theatre
Preserving the memory of children of the Holocaust. In three parts: a piece by local children, Butterflies, a play inspired by artwork of holocaust victims, written by playwright Tim Pitman and Robert Mauro’s Children of the Holocaust.
Tango Criminoso 3 March | Minerva Theatre
TWF School of Dance presents a compelling show which fuses drama and humour with
modern and traditional tango music and dance.
Ovation Rock Show 5 & 6 March | Minerva Theatre
Two evenings of live music featuring children and young people (ages 8 – 18) from local
schools, Chichester Music Academy and Ovation Music
FestivALL 9 March | The Nest
10 & 11 March | Minerva Theatre
Our annual celebration of the talents and creativity of learning-disabled and neurodivergent performers in our community. Bringing together numerous local companies, including CFT’s own Friday Company for two evenings of captivating live performances as well as an open mic opportunity.
Off-Stage Events
Throughout the Winter season, a multitude of talks, activities, cabaret and family fun are
on offer.
Santa’s Grotto is back from 4 – 23 December, with an opportunity to help the Elves with
their festive tasks before meeting Father Christmas himself and get an early present. Mistletoe & Melodies: A Musical Supper in The Brasserie (11 – 12 December) is an enchanting evening of festive dining and Christmas music from West End performers. Cabaret Nostalgique present (‘Twas) The Cabaret Before Christmas, an evening of festival frolics (5 December) while Scrooge Live to Film (19 December) enhances the film with a live score played by the three piece FB Pocket Orchestra.
Black History Month is marked with two ‘In Conversation’ events: In Conversation with
Catherine Joy White (3 October) sees the award-winning author in discussion about her book This Thread of Gold, a lyrical celebration of the history of Black women who challenged stereotypes through film, politics, activism and beyond (with a free interactive installation in our foyer space throughout the month); and on 14 October, fresh from his Chichester debut in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, actor and comedian Munya Chawawa joins Artistic Director Justin Audibert to talk about his career to date and establishing his Black Boys Theatre Club, introducing young boys to the performing arts.
Throughout the season there are Post-Show Talks as well as Backstage Tours. Creative
Careers Day (26 January) and International Women’s Day (8 March) return, while an
exhibition of Afghan Art and Textiles runs alongside A Thousand Splendid Suns.
For families, That Pesky Rat returns to The Nest on 10 & 11 September following a tour of
local schools; HurlyBurly’s After Party (25 September) offers immersive fun for 0 – 2 year
olds. Creation Station and The Brick People return for October half term craft activities;
Pop-up Play Cafés run before selected Minerva Theatre family performances, and weekly
Family Fun provides free crafts, colouring in fancy dress and a reading zone. Bring Your
Own Baby Comedy (19 March) offers grown-up comedy for adults with babes in arms.