Fully booked MakeBeth performances delight young audiences in Chichester District

Published 13:16 on 16 Oct 2026

Hundreds of children enjoyed being inspired thanks to a creative retelling of one of Shakespeare's most famous works.

Makebeth was part of a school and communities tour organised by Culture Spark, an arts partnership between Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery which has been running since 2021.

Created by theatre company Cardboard Adventures and Shakespeares Globe in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre and Leeds Playhouse, the immersive production invited children to create key elements of the story using cardboard.

Performances took place at the Guildhall in Priory Park, Chichester, and a range of schools including Bosham Primary School, Portfield Primary School, Sidlesham Primary School, Chichester Free School and Petworth Primary School, plus Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Performed with live music, puppetry and hands-on fun, the show invited children to use cut-outs to help bring the story to life. Children and adults alike were immersed in the performance.

Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, says: Chichester District is an area rich in arts and culture, and I am thrilled that this really unique piece of theatre received such a fantastic turnout. Hundreds of children in schools across the district used their imaginations to get stuck in and contribute, and we have received some really enthusiastic feedback from the schools that the production toured one school has even asked for a repeat event in the future! Schools and members of the public loved how immersive the performances were, and the actors created a really magical and inspiring atmosphere for all children to get involved and enjoy. The performances were especially engaging for children with special educational needs, and this was highlighted in the comments that we received.

For some children this may have been their first experience of live theatre, so I hope that Makebeth inspires a lasting love of the arts and storytelling.

People can find out more about what Culture Spark has been working on at: www.culturesparkchi.co.uk and can visit Chichester District Councils online Whats On calendar to find more information about events in the district: www.chichester.gov.uk/whatson
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