
Photo: Daniel Alford
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.
Photo: Daniel Alford
Photo: Daniel Alford
Photo: Daniel Alford
Photo: Daniel Alford
Chichester Festival Theatre. Photo: Daniel Alford
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.
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.
© Chichester Festival Theatre
© Chichester Festival Theatre
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.
Wine  
The impressive 50-acre estate represents a new style of vineyard, with overnight stays, tours, tastings, restaurant and even a Gin School.
Art  
One of Britain’s most distinctive modern art museums.
Landscape  
This ancient forest is thought to have the oldest living trees in Britain. It also has some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in southern England, along with unique wildlife, including 11 types of orchids.
Wine  
The focus at Tinwood is on producing delicious top-quality sparkling wine.
Landscape  
Devil’s Dyke is a legendary spot in the South Downs National Park. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK.
Landscape  
Cissbury Ring, in the South Downs National Park, is the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. Set high up on a chalk promontory, on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.
Landscape  
This downland nature reserve sits on the fringes of the county town of Lewes. The Iron Age hill fort of Mount Caburn can be accessed from here and is a 15-minute walk up from Glynde village. It has beautiful views out to the sea.
Wine  
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Stopham Estate is home to 21,000 vines.
Wine  
Set amidst the rolling landscape of the South Downs, the beautiful Wiston Estate is in a world of its own.