Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s flagship theatres, renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions as well as its work with the community and young people.

The Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses – equally suited to both epic drama and musicals. Its studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of new work alongside intimate revivals.

Over the past six decades, myriad productions originated at Chichester have transferred to the West End or toured nationally and internationally, from musicals to significant new plays and classic revivals.  

The annual Festival season runs from April to November, during which productions originated at Chichester reach an audience of over 230,000. Year-round programming continues through the winter with the Theatre presenting high-class touring productions, as well as a traditional Christmas show mounted by the renowned Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.

The 2023 Festival programme has now been announced.

Reasons to visit Chichester Festival Theatre

• Outstanding and exciting productions at accessible ticket prices
• The Theatre’s Cafe on the Park (open from 10am Monday to Friday and from 9am Saturday) is a great place for barista coffee, sandwiches and cakes, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Oaklands Park, free WiFi and family friendly areas in the spacious foyer.
• Great location and easy parking in Chichester 

When to visit CFT

The theatre’s Festival season runs April – November, the Winter touring season November – March. Normal opening times are Monday – Saturday 10am – 8pm (later when there are performances). Even when there are no productions, CFT’s Cafe on the Park, foyers and box office are normally open during the day.

Chichester Festival Theatre tickets, tours and entry

Tickets for the Festival Theatre start at £10. The free Prologue scheme for 16-30 year-olds offers tickets at just £5. 

There are regular backstage tours; accessible performances (captioned, signed, audio-described, Dementia Friendly and Relaxed Performances); and a lively programme of workshops, activities and shows for children and families, pre- and post-show talks and other events.

While you’re in the area

Chichester and its environs has a wealth of attractions, including Pallant House Gallery, Chichester Cathedral, Goodwood’s famous motorsport events and horse racing, the family-friendly Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, and historic splendours such as Arundel Castle and Petworth House. It’s set between the South Downs National Park to the north and stunning beaches and coastline to the south.