WINTER SEASON 2024/25 AT CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
A sparkling Winter season has been unveiled at Chichester Festival Theatre, offering a fabulously varied array of some of the best touring productions currently on offer in the UK, and a feast of festive entertainment for Christmas.
West End musical hits coming to Chichester include Come From Away and a return visit for SIX alongside the eagerly-awaited new Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again.
Drama based on popular and award-winning books includes Birdsong, The Girl on the Train and Never Let Me Go, and another chance to see the hilariously inventive Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of). Fans of classic drama will also relish new productions of A Man for All Seasons starring Martin Shaw, and a Rattigan double-bill, Summer 1954 with Nathaniel Parker and Dame Siân Phillips.
An unmissable selection of new work ranges from the 1980s-inspired musical After the Act to the joyous Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz and the latest production from ThickSkin and Pentabus, Driftwood.
There’s also an enticing array of music (such as Julian Ovenden, Fisherman’s Friends, Radio 3’s Friday Night Is Music Night), comedy (Omid Djalili), poetry (Lemn Sissay), family shows (Dinosaur World Live, The Littlest Yak) and community performances.
And in the centre of it all, of course, is Christmas! We’re going all out again this year to create magical festive moments for everyone, young and old, to make the season truly sparkle. Created especially for CFT by Michael Morpurgo, Hey! Christmas Tree will enchant small children and their families; while Chichester Festival Youth Theatre will be making everyone’s wishes come true with a magical telling of Cinderella. And Father Christmas himself had such a good time in our Santa’s Grotto last year that’s he’s bringing his trusty Elves back for another festive workshop.
Plays and Musicals
Sebastian Faulks’s BIRDSONG
Festival Theatre, 5 – 9 November
Ages 14+
Sebastian Faulks’s epic tale of love and loss returns to the stage in a brand-new production marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff (The Girl on the Train, Flowers for Mrs Harris) and starring Max Bowden (EastEnders), James Esler (Litvinenko) and Charlie Russell (The Goes Wrong Show, BBC’s And Then There Were None).
In pre-First World War France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the Battle of the Somme, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.
HERE YOU COME AGAIN
Festival Theatre, 12 – 16 November
Ages 11+
For the first time ever, all of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits can be experienced together in a rollicking and joyous new musical comedy. Packed with the iconic songs Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan, Kevin, whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times.
Here You Come Again was originally written by two-time Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and Tricia Paoluccio (who also plays Dolly). After several successful runs across the United States, it has now been adapted for the UK by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street), co-starring West End performer Steven Webb (The Book of Mormon, Oliver! West End) as Kevin.
COME FROM AWAY
Festival Theatre, 19 – 23 November
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
Spirited locals and global passengers come together to forge friendships that will stay with them forever. The first female American Airlines captain, the quick-thinking town mayor, the mother of a New York firefighter and the eager local news reporter are among the many real characters caught at the start of the moment that changed the course of history and whose stories became a celebration of hope, humanity and unity.
Tony Award-winning director Christopher Ashley alongside Olivier Award-winning writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein bring this uplifting true story to the stage in a life-affirming production that has audiences on their feet night after night.
BULLRING TECHNO MAKEOUT JAMZ
Minerva Theatre, 21 – 23 November
Ages 14+
Nathaniel is a serious romantic who sees love as a fine art. He’s looking for the Mona Lisa to his da Vinci, and tonight is the night: his date with Destiny…’s Child.
Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022, and written and performed by Nathan Queeley-Dennis, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz is a love letter to Birmingham, exploring Black masculinity through Beyonce lyrics, techno raves and the deeply intimate relationship between a man and his barber. Directed by Dermot Daly.
NEVER LET ME GO
Festival Theatre, 26 – 30 November
Ages 12+
Kazuo Ishiguro’s international best-selling novel arrives on stage in the world premiere of a gripping new stage adaptation by Suzanne Heathcote, directed by Christopher Haydon.
What if you discovered your whole reason for being was not about your life but about making someone else’s possible? Your dreams, your desires, your love for another, all of them irrelevant in a world that values only what you give, without question or condition, to someone you’ve never met and will never know.
Memory and reality collide in this stunning new staging that challenges us to think about what it means to be human; what it means to have hope and heart — to love and to lose.
AFTER THE ACT
Minerva Theatre, 27 – 30 November
Ages 14+
After the Act is a new 1980s-inspired musical about pride, protest… and abseiling lesbians.
Thatcher’s Section 28, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools, was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global blueprint for LGBTQ+ oppression and galvanised a movement. After the Act is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.
A joyously exuberant original live score by composer and musical director Frew, accompanies the inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation. This is the story of how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a community decided to fight back, written by Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Festival Theatre, 3 – 7 December
For ages 7+
The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood and the uplifting voices of the Chichester Cathedral Choir return for our traditional, much-loved Christmas Concerts – guaranteed to get audiences feeling joyful and triumphant. Brimming with cherished carols and classic Christmas melodies, alongside some enchanting new arrangements, this festive celebration promises to wrap everyone in the warm glow of holiday spirit. Sponsored by ITD Consultants.
HEY! CHRISTMAS TREE
Minerva Theatre, 7 – 29 December
For ages 3 – 7
Morning and matinee performances
Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, was created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo.
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, and written for the stage by Vicki Berwick, with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer, 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 The Wind in the Willows, directs. The designer will be Lily Arnold, with lighting design by James Whiteside and movement direction by Georgina Lamb.
Recommended for ages 3 – 7. There will be a Relaxed & BSL Performance on 29 December at 10.30am.
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present Festival Theatre, 17 – 31 December
CINDERELLA
Ages 7+
You are invited to the prince’s ball this Christmas! Transport yourself into a spellbinding new retelling of this classic folk tale, full of wonder and delight. Meet a wicked stepfamily, a handsome prince in search of a wife and a missing slipper… But wait: there are also three magical dresses, a wish-giving tree, and help for Cinderella from a very unexpected source.
Packed with thrilling theatricality and delightful comedy, Cinderella is written by Philip Wilson (Grimm Tales), with original live music and songs by Jason Carr, and directed by Jon Pashley (CFYT’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre follows five-star versions of Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio and The Jungle Book with another festive feast of magical storytelling.
Cinderella will have set design by Simon Higlett, costume design by Abigail Caywood, musical direction by Audra Cramer, lighting design by Emma Chapman, sound design by Gregory Clarke and movement direction by Julia Cave.
Recommended for ages 7+. There will be a Relaxed Performance on 30 December at 2pm.
Sponsored by Chichester College.
Nathaniel Parker Siân Phillips in
SUMMER 1954 Table Number Seven / The Browning Version
Festival Theatre, 21 – 25 January
Summer, 1954. The atmosphere at The Beauregard Private Hotel, Bournemouth, is marked by a blend of repressed emotions and post-war gentility. Each of the staff and guests has their own reason for seeking the solace of quiet anonymity, but trying to hide from the social and cultural change sweeping over the country is proving impossible.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Midlands, the end of the school term brings to a climax the intrigues, deceptions and lies in the lives of its teachers. The ensuing implosion of classicist Andrew Crocker Harris’s career triggers the collapse of his marriage. Britain is changing. Nothing will ever be the same again.
Terence Rattigan’s one act masterpieces Table Number Seven (from Separate Tables) and The Browning Version are paired for the first time, capturing one quietly momentous evening seventy years ago. Together, they confirm Rattigan as one of the great 20th-century chroniclers of the paradoxes of the human heart. Directed by Olivier and UK Theatre Award winner James Dacre, an ensemble cast will perform both plays, led by Olivier Award winner Nathaniel Parker (Inspector Lynley) and BAFTA winner Dame Siân Phillips.
Martin Shaw in
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Festival Theatre, 28 January – 1 February
The greatest, most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history are brought vividly to life in Robert Bolt’s award-winning play. Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII. Above all, he is a man of integrity, loved by the common people and his own family. When Henry demands a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, clearing the way for him to marry Anne Boleyn, the staunchly Catholic Thomas is forced to choose between his loyalty and his own conscience, committing an incredible act of defiance for which he eventually pays the ultimate price…
One of the UK’s best-loved actors on stage and screen, Martin Shaw is known to millions for his television roles in Judge John Deed, Inspector George Gently and The Professionals. Director Jonathan Church was Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre 2006 – 2016.
SIX
Festival Theatre, 4 – 8 February
Ages 10+
The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the worldwide smash hit musical SIX is back on UK tour, returning to Chichester after two sell-out previous runs. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this sell-out Tudor take-off has won 35 international awards including the Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. Divorced. Beheaded. Live!
Sponsored by Harbour Hotel, Chichester.
PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF)
Festival Theatre, 11 – 15 February
Ages 10+
Following its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy and the Evening Standard Award, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) – a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story – returns to Chichester.
Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. This multi award-winning production, written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen, features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.
Giovanna Fletcher in
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
Festival Theatre, 25 February – 1 March
Ages 12+
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from Paula Hawkins’s novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment. Multi-talented actor, novelist and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher (2:22 A Ghost Story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Peter James’s Wish You Were Dead) will star in this brand-new production, following the play’s first sell-out UK tour, directed by Loveday Ingram.
Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.
DRIFTWOOD
Minerva Theatre, 25 February – 1 March
Ages 14+
An inspiring story about hope, love and belonging, from the company that produced hit shows Peak Stuff and How Not To Drown.
Two brothers on a beach need to figure out what to do with their dad – but the sea has other ideas. Mark and Tiny walk the shore of Seaton Carew in the North East. Their dad is dying, and their town is crumbling. Family rifts and political divides try to pull them apart, while a figure made of driftwood stalks the shore at night.
ThickSkin and Pentabus are two of the UK’s most prominent theatre companies, joining forces to present Driftwood, a new play by Bruntwood Prize winner, Tim Foley. Directed by a stellar team, Elle While (The Globe’s Hamlet, West End revival The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and Neil Bettles (How Not To Drown, Disney’s Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Frantic Assembly’s The Unreturning), this play perfectly balances a moving and at times funny story in a physical and visually striking production.
THE LITTLEST YAK
Minerva Theatre, 17 – 22 February
Ages 3+
Morning and afternoon performances
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. Join them this half term for a dazzling adventure, into the heart of the Himalayas.
Gertie is great at being The Littlest Yak, with the curliest, whirliest wool and the grippiest of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs. Only, Gertie doesn’t want to be the littlest. She’s in a rush to grow up and be just like the Big Yaks. But what if there are some things that only a Gertie can do?
Nominated for four Off West End Awards including Best Script, Music, Performance and Design, LAStheatre brings The Littlest Yak to the stage in spectacular fashion. Written and directed by Barra Collins, based on the book written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Kate Hindley.
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE
Festival Theatre, 20 – 23 February
Ages 3+
Morning and afternoon performances Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family – the Olivier Award-winner for Best Family Show 2024.
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
Music, Performance, Dance and Comedy
JULIAN OVENDEN IN CONCERT
Festival Theatre, 13 October, 3pm
Julian Ovenden returns after his Olivier Award-nominated performance in South Pacific in 2021. Together with his band, Broadway composer Scott Frankel and some very special guests, Julian will perform some of his favourite songs of the last 75 years, including numbers by Bernstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Sondheim. (Tickets now on sale.)
SANCHO & ME for one night only Minerva Theatre, 9 & 10 January Paterson Joseph performs an enthralling account of one man’s remarkable life. Part-biography and part-dramatised readings from Paterson’s acclaimed novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, this unmissable evening of storytelling uses Sancho’s compositions and original music by co-creator, composer and musician Ben Park. Ages 14+
Gilbert & Sullivan’s THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Festival Theatre, 9 – 11 January
For Gilbert & Sullivan’s brilliant, funny and touching masterpiece The Pirates of Penzance, Tarantara has assembled a 50-strong company with singers of international repute and the perfect Sullivan-sized orchestra. They will bring to vibrant life Donna Stirrup’s fresh new production conducted by Martin Handley.
JUDY CARMICHAEL
Minerva Theatre, 11 January
Grammy-nominated American pianist and vocalist/ songwriter Judy Carmichael is one of the world’s leading interpreters of stride and swing piano. She keeps a busy worldwide touring schedule bringing her joyful stage presence from Carnegie Hall to Ronnie Scott’s and everywhere in between.
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA: FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
Festival Theatre, 17 January
Conductor Richard Balcombe, presenter Petroc Trelawny and the BBC Concert Orchestra with a celebration of great British film scores, including classic movie themes by Vaughan Williams and Arthur Bliss, and melodies including 633 Squadron, The Dam Busters, and Walton’s stirring Spitfire Prelude, broadcast live on Radio 3.
OMID DJALILI Namaste
Festival Theatre, 18 January
The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show Namaste, where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet. Ages 16+.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JELLY ROLL MORTON
Minerva Theatre, 18 January
Ferdinand Lamothe, self-proclaimed inventor of jazz, celebrated pianist and band-leader from New Orleans lived the most extraordinary life on the edge of the edgy world that characterised early 20th century America. His story is narrated by three actors to the music of Jelly Roll performed by a seven-piece band featuring Big House with guests Lana-May Hodge, Don Manson, Mark Swindall and Gabriel Garrick.
JUDIE TZUKE Jude The Unsinkable
Minerva Theatre, 24 January
An intimate evening of beautifully crafted songs with old favourites and songs from Judie’s acclaimed new album. Known all over the world for her timeless song, Stay With Me Till Dawn, Judie will be joined by T.I.G.Y, comprising of Bailey Tzuke and Matt Racher, alongside her long time guitarist Chaz Thorogood and friends.
Lîla Dance FAULT LINES
Minerva Theatre, 25 January
As our planet’s voice grows louder, are we ready to listen? Survivors emerge from the rubble of a scorched earth. Fault Lines explores tensions in our relationship with nature, blending stunning dance, immersive imagery, evocative writing and cinematic music. Free Post-Show Talk after the performance. Ages 12+
THE LAST TRAIN TO TOMORROW
Minerva Theatre, 27 & 28 January
To mark the 10th anniversary of Chichester Marks Holocaust Memorial Day, an opera composed by Carl Davis tells the story of the flight in 1938-39 of 10,000 children from the Nazis on Kindertransport rescue trains to London, such as the ones organised by Sir Nicholas Winton from Prague. Children from local schools will sing and play the parts of the children, accompanied by a professional orchestra conducted by Howard Moody.
POSTING LETTERS TO THE MOON
Minerva Theatre, 30 January
A romantic, funny and touching portrait of life during the Second World War, featuring readings of letters between Oscar-nominated actress Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter) and her husband Peter Fleming, posted to India and the Far East for Military Intelligence. Read by their daughter Lucy Fleming (Love Sarah, Miranda in The Archers) and her husband Simon Williams (Upstairs Downstairs, Justin in The Archers, EastEnders).
LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND – The Music of Victoria Wood
Minerva Theatre, 31 January
Starring Paulus The Cabaret Geek of BBC1’s All Together Now with Michael Roulston of Fascinating Aida on the piano, an evening of pure joy filled with Victoria Wood’s best loved songs. This show is for fans of Victoria and for those yet to discover her, to come together and relish her breath-taking wizardry with words. Ages 12+
PARADISE LOST (lies unopened beside me)
Minerva Theatre, 6 & 7 February A one-man staging of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost combining theatre, comedy and movement, this is a journey through the story of the creation of everything, condensed into 75 minutes. A single man plays all the characters, creates all the scenes and, despite his best efforts, falls a little short of perfection. Ages 13+
Vaughan Williams’s and JM Synge’s
RIDERS TO THE SEA
Minerva Theatre, 11 February
With a new dramatic prologue by Michael Betteridge and ArtfulScribe’s Community Sirens, Riders to the Sea weaves live performance with projection in a visceral tale of family, grief and love’s enduring power. Award-winning chamber opera company OperaUpClose bring their inimitable style to the Minerva for the first time. Ages 12+
LEMN SISSAY Let the Light Pour
In Minerva Theatre, 12 February
Spend an evening with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA nominated author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller, Lemn Sissay OBE as he takes to the stage with this brand-new show. With live readings from his books, Lemn will unravel some of the original stories behind the poems, and how they have been used in people’s lives and his own. Expect the unexpected. A night bursting with light to stave off the dark.
FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS
Festival Theatre, 5 March
The group of old friends first came together in a sitting room in Port Isaac late in 1990, since then there have been ten albums, a BBC Folk Award, a best-selling book, TV documentary and prestigious performances… all while holding down day jobs. Expect a trademark catch of sea shanties and maritime work songs from a repertoire of almost 200 titles as the Fisherman’s Friends return to sing for their supper.
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA: FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
Festival Theatre, 7 March
Join the BBC Concert Orchestra, presenter Katie Derham and guests for an evening of popular favourites and unforgettable tunes, broadcast live on the BBC’s popular, long-running radio show. More details to be announced.
More for Families
BABY BROADWAY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Minerva Bar, 6 December
All ages 10am & 11.15am
A joyful Christmas celebration with favourite holiday songs from Christmas musicals and
films, performed by talented West End singers. Festive fancy dress encouraged!
BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY
Minerva Bar, 24 January, 12 noon
Ages 18+ (with babies up to 15 months)
The UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club. With shows featuring the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV, the event is all about the parents! But we take great care of our younger guests too.
CREATION – The Bubble Show
Minerva Theatre, 1 February
Ages 3+ 11.30am & 2.45 pm
Returning with new bubble creations (and a few old favourite tricks too), Creation is a feast for the senses, featuring light displays, fire effects, puppetry and pyrotechnics.
THE GRUFFALO
Minerva Theatre, 4 – 5 February
Ages 3+ 10.30am, 1pm & 4.30pm Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
PERSEPHONE A Tale of the Seasons
Minerva Theatre, 4 March
Ages 6 – 18 months
10.30am, 1.30pm, 4pm
A gentle sensory exploration of the seasons, perfect for babies and toddlers, from Little Angel Theatre.
Community events
CHILDREN’S CONCERT Festival Theatre, 14 January Southern Pro Musica returns with a perfect introduction to live music played by a full professional orchestra, compered by the brilliant musical magician Neil Henry and conducted by Jonathan Willcocks.
UNITED VOICES Festival Theatre, 15 January Hundreds of children from across the Chichester area come together to sing songs with shared messages and values, celebrating and showcasing the love of singing in harmony together. Conducted by Emily Barden.
CHICHESTER COLLEGE INTERMEZZO Minerva Theatre, 22 & 23 January Dance students from Chichester College present their eclectic new repertoire of works, encompassing a range of styles from jazz to contemporary and commercial.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CAREER DAY CFT, 31 January In association with Pallant House Gallery, Chichester College and Creative County West Sussex. We welcome young people and schools to discover more about careers in the creative industries. Meet industry professionals, attend talks and gain valuable advice on pathways and opportunities.
OVATION ROCK SHOW
Minerva Theatre, 7 & 8 March
Talented young musicians return to the Minerva Theatre for the 10th anniversary of Ovation Rock Show, an evening of live music featuring children and young people (ages 8 – 18) from local schools, Chichester Music Academy and Ovation Music.
FestivALL Stephen Pimlott Building, 10 & 11 March A vibrant two-day celebration of the creativity and talent of learning disabled and neurodivergent people, full of captivating performances from local companies including CFT’s own Friday Company.
NT CONNECTIONS Minerva Theatre, 12 – 15 March Connections is the National Theatre’s annual, nationwide youth theatre festival that commissions new plays for young people to perform. The programme brings together some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow, performed by local schools, youth theatre and community groups.
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL FOR MUSIC, DRAMA & SPEECH
Minerva Theatre, 16 March The most outstanding performers from the 2025 Chichester Festival for Music Dance & Speech, chosen from across fifteen sections including dance, musical theatre, piano, strings, voice and many more.
Off-Stage Events
Throughout the Winter season, a multitude of cabaret performances, activities, workshops, pre- and post-show talks and crafts are on offer.
Back for 2024 is Santa’s Grotto, an opportunity to visit the Elves’ Workshop, meet Father Christmas himself and get an early present, from 9 – 23 December. Mistletoe & Melodies in The Brasserie (13 & 14 December) is an enchanting evening of festive dining and musical delight.
CFT Lates continue with live music, drag nights and comedy; join the discussion in Fizz and Feminism; celebrate International Women’s Day; and join our Silent Disco.
Creation Station and The BRICK People are back for October half term craft activities; and Comedy Club 4 Kids returns in November. Pop-up Play Cafés before selected Minerva Theatre family performances, and weekly Family Fun will provide free crafts, colouring in fancy dress and a reading zone.
Mini Makers and Shakers offers early-years classes for 0 – 4 year-olds during termtime (choose from Boogie with Baby, Little Artists, Mini Movers or new Hartbeeps SEN classes) and Little Notes for ages 0 – 4 also returns.
The Nest fundraising events
We are delighted that we have received planning permission to build a new, sustainably-minded theatre space for emerging artistic talent, fringe-like experimentation, community groups and family workshops. We’ve reached 50% of the fundraising target.
EGGShibition 2 – 6 Oct Candida Stevens Gallery; 8 – 20 Oct Pallant House Gallery; 23 Oct – 23 Nov Festival Theatre foyer
One hundred artists have created their own individual, decorative ceramic egg. Enjoy this unique exhibition and bid for your favourite at the online auction. All proceeds go to The Nest Appeal. Online Auction open to all, 23 Oct – 24 Nov.
An evening with Rob Wade Minerva Theatre, 12 January Scriptwriter for the James Bond films including Casino Royale and Skyfall, Rob Wade joins Ian Haydn Smith for this exclusive event. Ticket includes a glass of fizz in the Minerva Bar.