WINTER SEASON 2025/26 AT CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
A bumper Winter season has been unveiled at Chichester Festival Theatre, packed with some of the best productions touring the UK this year. Following the final shows of the Festival 2025 season Hamlet with Giles Terera in the eponymous role, a brand-new staging of William Goldings modern classic, Lord of the Flies, and Jamie Bogyos riveting new play, Safe Space, theres plenty more epic drama this Winter.
CFTs much-anticipated co-production with the RSC and Roald Dahl Story Company, a magical new version of Roald Dahls The BFG directed by former Artistic Director Daniel Evans, will open Festival 2026 next March; tickets go on sale now.
Meanwhile, no less than four Chichester Festival Theatre productions will be playing in London: Oliver! continues at the Gielgud Theatre; Top Hat at the Southbank Centre from 12 December 17 January and on UK tour until February 2026; The Spy Who Came In From The Cold at @sohoplace from 17 November 21 February; and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 29 January 18 April
This Winter, the National Theatre brings James Grahams Olivier Award-winning Dear England to Chichester; and Laura Wades sparkling new play, based on Somerset Maughams The Constant Wife, comes direct from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Jane Austens 250th anniversary is celebrated with a new stage production of Emma, while Being Mr Wickham is an intriguing look at the rogue from Pride and Prejudice. Caroline Quentin leads Chekhovs classic The Seagull. Fans of detective thrillers will enjoy the stage debut of Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts, the Agatha Christie mystery Death on the Nile, and a chilling new ghost story, It Walks Around The House At Night.
Theres plenty more family entertainment, and a star-studded array of comedy, music and talks from the BBC Concert Orchestra, Nigel Havers, Miriam Margolyes, Sue Perkins, Grayson Perry, Sir David Suchet and Sandi Toksvig among many others.
Central to the festive season are Stiles & Drewes The Three Little Pigs and the world premiere of Matt Haigs A Boy Called Christmas, performed by the incredible Chichester Festival Youth Theatre in their 40th anniversary year. Father Christmas and his elves are also back in Santas Grotto, as are the Cathedral Choir and Band of HM Royal Marines in Christmas Concerts.
well be working our theatrical magic
EMMA Festival Theatre, 4 8 November Jane Austens 250th anniversary is celebrated in fitting style with a new stage adaptation of her comedy of manners, Emma. The beautiful, high-spirited Emma Woodhouse is determined that she will never marry but loves to meddle in her friends and neighbours relationships. But as the romantic web she weaves becomes ever more entangled, will Emma herself get swept up in true loves wake...?
This new production is adapted by Ryan Craig; Stephen Unwin directs. The cast includes India Shaw-Smith as Emma, alongside Oscar Batterham, William Chubb, Jade Kennedy, Peter Losasso, Rose Quentin, Daniel Rainford, Ed Sayer and Maiya Louise Thapar.
THE SEAGULL Festival Theatre, 11 15 November Chekhovs much-loved masterpiece soars anew in a darkly comic reimagining by Mike Poulton, directed by James Brining, with beloved stage and screen star Caroline Quentin leading a stellar ensemble. The Seagull blends sharp-edged comedy and emotionally rich drama into a timeless story of vanity, creative hunger, and the cost of dreams.
A once-celebrated actress, Arkadina (Quentin) dominates every room she enters, leaving little chance for anyone else to shine. Her son, the tormented young playwright Konstantin, yearns to escape her shadow, revolutionise theatre, and win the heart of Nina, a luminous young woman with dreams of the stage. But when Ninas gaze turns instead to Arkadinas lover, the celebrated writer Trigorin, egos and passions collide with devastating consequences.
DEAR ENGLAND Festival Theatre, 20 29 November The National Theatres Olivier Award-winning smash hit comes to Chichester in a highly anticipated tour.
Its time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England mens team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
From multi award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC; Quiz, This House, CFT) and director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War), this joyous, five-star new stage epic (The Telegraph) tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgates revolutionary tenure as England manager, in a gripping and moving (Sunday Times) examination of nation and game.
David Sturzaker (Doctors, BBC) plays former England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack (Eastenders, BBC; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as team psychologist Pippa Grange.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Festival Theatre, 2 6 December Ages 7+ The Band of His Majestys Royal Marines Portsmouth and the uplifting voices of the Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatres traditional, much-loved
Christmas Concerts guaranteed to leave audiences feeling merry and bright. Brimming with yuletide cheer, the concerts promise an evening of cherished carols and classic Christmas melodies, alongside some enchanting new arrangements.
Stiles and Drewes Minerva Theatre, 6 28 December
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Music by George Stiles
Book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe
A co-production with Unicorn Theatre Ages 3 7
From the award-winning Stiles and Drewe (The Billy Goats Gruff, Honk!, Half a Sixpence) comes The Three Little Pigs a "very curly musical tail" that is perfect for the whole family.
This charming and witty adventure is full of catchy songs and clever rhymes which will have you squealing with glee as three superstar piglets set about defeating the Big Bad Wolf.
Devoted Mother Pig is raising her three little pigs sporty Bar, nature-loving Bee and bookworm Q after Father Pig was gobbled by the Big Bad Wolf. But when their home starts looking like a really messy pigsty, Mother encourages her fast-growing youngsters to make their own way in the big wide world. Bar, Bee and Q set about building their own houses from straw, sticks and bricks. But can they get the better of the huffing, puffing, always hungry (and a bit misunderstood) Big Bad Wolf?
A co-production with the Unicorn Theatre, directed by Jade Lewis, this hugely entertaining adaptation of the classic tale is a perfect musical Christmas treat for young families.
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
For ages 3 7. There will be a Relaxed Performance on 28 December. World Premiere Chichester Festival Youth Theatre Festival Theatre, 15 31 December
A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS Ages 7+
By Matt Haig
Adapted for the stage by Philip Wilson Music by Tom Brady Lyrics by Philip Wilson and Tom Brady Directed by Dale Rooks
An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.
For 11-year-old Nikolas, whose nickname is Christmas because he was born on 25 December, life isnt easy. With only a doll made out of a turnip to keep him company, he believes in happiness but isnt happy very often. Until the day he sets out with his pet mouse Miika and a reindeer called Blitzen on an extraordinary quest to follow his father and to find Elfhelm, the fabled village of the elves.
Join Nikolas on this life-changing adventure, full of fantastic characters and beautiful moments, and watch how one little boy comes to be the very symbol of Christmas itself. Full to bursting with festive wonder, this story from the award-winning writer Matt Haig adapted for the stage by Philip Wilson (Cinderella, Grimm Tales), with original live music and songs by Tom Brady (Pinocchio, The Butterfly Lion) will warm the hearts of audiences young and old.
In their 40th anniversary year, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre bring their magical gifts for storytelling to another captivating Christmas production, directed by Dale Rooks (The Wind in the Willows, Hey! Christmas Tree).
For ages 7+. There will be a Gala Performance on 21 December, and a Relaxed Performance on 30 December.
INSPECTOR MORSE: House of Ghosts Festival Theatre, 6 10 January Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, based on characters by Colin Dexter, this original story written for the stage by Alma Cullen is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries.
A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary Detective Chief Inspector Morse, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, 25 years earlier.
THE CONSTANT WIFE Festival Theatre, 20 24 January 1927. Constance is the perfect wife and mother, and her husband is as devoted to her as he is to his mistress, who just happens to be her best friend.
Adapted by Olivier Award-winner Laura Wade (The Watsons, CFT; TVs Rivals) from Somerset Maughams glittering comedy, this Royal Shakespeare Company production is
directed by Co-Artistic Director of the RSC Tamara Harvey. This sparkling new version will star Kara Tointon (TVs Mr Selfridge winner of Strictly Come Dancing) and features original music composed by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum.
BEING MR WICKHAM Minerva Theatre, 20 24 January Continuing the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth, Adrian Lukis, who starred in the renowned BBC TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, returns to the role of Mr Wickham. Join this roguish gentleman on the eve of his 60th birthday, to lift the sheets on what exactly happened 30 years on from where we left him… and discover his own version of some very famous literary events. Following hit runs in London and New York, this captivating show is produced by the award-winning Original Theatre.
Agatha Christies DEATH ON THE NILE Festival Theatre, 27 31 January On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couples idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder. As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot, untangle the web of lies and solve another crime?
Death on the Nile reunites writer Ken Ludwig, director Lucy Bailey (The Other Boleyn Girl, CFT; Witness for the Prosecution) and producers Fiery Angel for this brand-new adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic. Mark Hadfield (Belfast; Outlander; Wallander) stars as Poirot, joined by Glynis Barber (Dempsey and Makepeace, EastEnders) and Bob Barrett (Murder on the Orient Express, Holby City).
IT WALKS AROUND THE HOUSE AT NIGHT Minerva Theatre, 3 6 February When Joe, an out-of-work actor, takes a job playing a ghost at an old countryside manor, he expects a few cheap scares but soon uncovers something far more frightening. His role turns chillingly real, as he begins to suspect something else is lurking in the shadows.
It Walks Around The House At Night takes the audience on five spooky night-time walks with Joe — but is something following?
From the company behind Driftwood and How Not To Drown, this is a haunted house story for a new era, brought to life with tricks, twists, and a generous dose of dark humour. ThickSkin, one of the UKs most exciting touring companies, joins forces with writer Tim Foley to create this thrilling new production, directed by Neil Bettles with sound design by Pete Malkin.
World Premiere
Roald Dahls Festival Theatre, 9 March 11 April
THE BFG
Adapted by Tom Wells Directed by Daniel Evans
A Chichester Festival Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Roald Dahl Story Company production
Ages 8+
Roald Dahls unforgettable story comes to life in a magical new adaptation by Tom Wells (The Kitchen Sink, Jumpers For Goalposts), directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director (and former CFT Artistic Director) Daniel Evans, whose previous productions include Quiz, South Pacific and Our Generation.
One extraordinary night, a young orphan named Sophie is snatched by a giant and taken far away to Giant Country. There she learns that human-eating giants are guzzling 'norphans' the world over. But she soon discovers that her new friend, the BFG, is different he's a dream-catching, snozzcumber-munching gentle soul who refuses to eat humans.
While other giants terrorise the world, the BFG ignites Sophie's imagination, and they devise a daring plan to save children everywhere. In the end, the smallest human bean and the gentlest giant prove that a dream can change the world.
John Leader plays the BFG; his previous theatre credits include Merry Wives of Windsor and The School for Scandal for the RSC, Wuthering Heights, Peter Pan and War Horse at the National Theatre, A Monster Calls at The Old Vic and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Bridge Theatre.
Joining Daniel and Tom on the creative team is Puppetry Designer and Director, Toby Olié; Set Designer, Vicki Mortimer; Costume Designer, Kinnetia Isidore; Lighting Designer, Zoe Spurr; Video Designer, Akhila Krishnan; Illusions, Chris Fisher; Composer, Oleta Haffner; Sound Designer, Carolyn Downing; Choreographer and Movement Director, Ira Mandela Siobhan; Puppetry Co-Designer, Daisy Beattie; and Senior Set Design Associate, Matt Hellyer. The Casting Director is Christopher Worrall CDG; and the Childrens Casting Director is Verity Naughton CDG.
For ages 8+. Relaxed Performance on Tuesday 31 March at 2.00pm.
Music, Talks, Performance and Comedy
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA: Festival Theatre, 24 October Friday Night Is Music Night Celebrating Tony Bennett Join the BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Richard Balcombe for a heartfelt tribute to the timeless voice of Tony Bennett. With special guest singers Louise Dearman and Lance Ellington in a magical evening of song, swing and unforgettable melodies.
MIRIAM MARGOLYES Festival Theatre, 25 October
Ages 16+
Off the back of her sold-out 2024 tour and Edinburgh show, Miriam spins her A-Z wheel, diving headfirst into an eclectic alphabetised mix of lifes standout moments. She will share cherished memories and razor-sharp observations and of course, a little bit of smut from her 84 extraordinary years.
TRAVELS WITH AGATHA CHRISTIE AND SIR DAVID SUCHET - LIVE Festival Theatre, 27 October
Join Sir David Suchet for a captivating evening as he retraces Agatha Christies 1920s journey across Canada, Hawaii, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Inspired by the hit TV series, this live show features unseen footage, rare images, and insights into the people and places that shaped Christies world.
RED SKY AT SUNRISE Festival Theatre, 28 October Laurie Lee in words and music Direct from the RSC, Anton Lesser (Andor, Endeavour) tells Laurie Lees extraordinary story, in a five-star, captivating weave of music and Lees Cider With Rosie trilogy, when he famously walked out of the Slad Valley one summer morning and ended up fighting in the
Spanish Civil War. Anton Lesser and Charlie Hamblett (Missing You, Killing Eve) play Lee older and younger, and other characters. Featuring breathtaking music from Orchestra of the Swan and Spanish guitar.
THE CLARE TEAL 7 Festival Theatre, 30 October Award-winning jazz vocalist and long time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal returns with a fabulous new show to celebrate 25 years of touring. The Clare Teal 7 is a truly exciting collaboration between Clare and her regular trio and featuring the UKs finest jazz musicians.
SANDI TOKSVIG: Friends of Dorothy Festival Theatre, 31 October Ages 14+ Come and join the comedian, broadcaster, campaigner (and tiny Danish beacon of hope) for an evening celebrating her love and passion for writers and books, packed with fascinating stories, a lively Q&A and the much-contested Cleverest Person in the Room game.
GRAYSON PERRY: Are you good? Festival Theatre, 1 November Ages 16+
I always start out with the assumption that people are born good and then life happens. So, lets pull back the curtain and see where your morals truly lie. Are you as virtuous as you think? With lots of audience participation (dont worry, no one leaves unscathed) and a few silly songs well have an entertaining evening and come out with our core values completely in tatters. Is it more important to be good or to be right? Yours truly, Grayson Perry.
ORDINARY DECENT CRIMINAL Minerva Theatre, 14 15 November Ages 16+
Set in the years following the Strangeways Prison Riot, meet recovering addict Frankie, played by renowned political comedian Mark Thomas, as he enters the brave new world of a liberal prison experiment. In the most unexpected of places he discovers: the revolution is not dead. Its just sleeping. In this new play, writer Ed Edwards and Mark Thomas tell a tale of freedom, revolution and messy love. Directed by Charlotte Bennett.
LIZA PULLMAN SINGS STREISAND Minerva Theatre, 17 November The much loved singer and comedienne Liza Pulman (Fascinating Aida) One of the very few artists that can truly emulate the vocal skills of the iconic Barbra Streisand brings you the songs of this legendary performers life and music, with her live band, told with Lizas unique brand of warmth, humour and compelling story-telling.
IVO GRAHAM: Carousel Minerva Theatre, 18 November Teddy told me that in Greek, nostalgia literally means the pain from an old wound. Its a twinge in your heart, far more powerful than memory alone. Ivo Graham, who has watched this Mad Men clip approximately 100 times, steps away from the frivolity of his stand-up and invites you onto his own carousel: around and around, backwards and forwards, to the places he aches to go again. A searingly direct, exquisitely soundtracked story of a life.
WHEN VINCENT MET JOHN Minerva Theatre, 19 November Vincent van Gogh was a nineteenth-century Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who gained worldwide fame with The Beatles. Vincent died in 1890, John died in 1980, both of gunshot wounds to the chest. This play imagines what might have happened, had the two greatest artists of their time, met.
GLENN MILLER: His Life Story in Words & Music Minerva Theatre, 21 November The most popular and successful band of the big band era, Glenn Miller and His Orchestra had a string of hits Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo, In The Mood… Join the 17-piece Phoenix Big Band with closeharmony vocal group and string quartet in an
exhilarating evening celebrating the life of Glenn Miller.
KALEIDOSCOPE OF RAINBOWS @ 50 Minerva Theatre, 22 November
To mark the 50th anniversary of Kaleidoscope of Rainbows, one of the most enduring and globally-inspired works in British jazz history, Scott Stroman and the Guildhall Jazz Orchestra perform Neil Ardleys masterpiece in full, alongside works by his contemporaries. Presented in association with Analogue October Records, Chichesters independent label.
TWO TURTLE DOVES Minerva Theatre, 26 November
Two of international cabarets grandest dames, Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr, jump giblets first into the festive season. These two cabaret queens join forces in an evening not to be mistletoe, featuring songs by Tom Waits, Ray Davies, the Chipmunks and Joni Mitchell, plus a hilarious take on The Twelve Days of Christmas.
THE ETERNAL SHAME OF SUE PERKINS Festival Theatre, 14 January Ages 16+ You may know her as Bake-Off Sue, Taskmaster Sue, or the Sue that gives you travel envy but stand-up Sue is full of surprises. In her first live show in over a decade, she shares
the unlikely happenings from a career in the spotlight.
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA: Festival Theatre, 15 January Friday Night Is Music Night
Conducted by the dynamic Jérôme Kuhn and featuring the radiant soprano Alison Scherzer, the BBC Concert Orchestra presents a sparkling evening of orchestral gems and songs, featuring familiar favourites and delightful discoveries. Recorded in Chichester (on a Thursday) for Radio 3.
NIGEL HAVERS Festival Theatre, 16 January Well, here it is my first ever solo show. Just me, a stage, and a lifetime of gloriously ridiculous stories to share. Youll get the full Havers experience: charm, wit, and absolutely no running in slow motion. Of course, therell be behind-the-scenes gossip, tales of triumph (and disaster), moments of sheer madness, and a fair bit of talking b*ll*cks. Come along for a night of laughter, nostalgia, and, dare I say, charm.
THE SELSEY SHANTYMEN Minerva Theatre, 17 January Selsey in West Sussex is famous for Selsey Bill, its seafood and fishing fleet, the RNLI Lifeboat station and the rousing sea shanties of the Selsey Shantymen, who have been singing together for eight years and perform across the south of England and in Europe. This is their first visit to the Minerva.
EMMA JOHNSON and THE ORCHESTRA FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Minerva Theatre, 28 January Clarinettist Emma Johnson MBE and The Orchestra for the Environment give concerts to highlight the wonders of nature and the need to combat climate change. Their programme includes pieces inspired by the natural world by Holst and Puccini as well as Johnsons own evocative settings of folk songs and nature lover Gerald Finzis heartfelt Clarinet Concerto.
MARK SIMMONS: Jest to Impress Minerva Theatre, 29 January Ages 14+
As seen on Mock The Week, Master of one-liners Mark Simmons is back with a show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.
SHEAR BRASS: Celebrating Sir George Shearing Minerva Theatre, 30 January Led by Sir George Shearings great nephew, drummer Carl Gorham, Shear Brass brings a fresh and dynamic new approach to the music of one of Britains greatest ever jazz pianists and composers: combining the punch of a big band with the intimacy of a small group.
LE GATEAU CHOCOLAT: Musicals Mayhem Minerva Theatre, 13 14 February The favourite Black, bearded, and bass singing drag icon is finally returning to Chichester, with a Valentines special full of musical theatre madness, singalong and more. Le Gateau
Chocolat crams every single musical you know and love into an hour of high kicks, high drag and high glamour.
GIANNI SCHICCHI (or Where Theres a Will) Minerva Theatre, 11 12 March OperaUpClose returns with a brilliantly subversive take on Puccinis classic family farce, set to delight both opera lovers and curious newcomers alike, with a stellar cast of singers and players. Puccinis comic masterpiece comes roaring into the 21st century, in a modern day whodunnit challenging a world where everyone is out for themselves.
More fun for Families
THE KOALA WHO COULD Minerva Theatre, 17 22 February Ages 3+ 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm
Join Kevin the koala who clings to a tree, and his friends kangaroo and wombat in an Australian Outback adventure, as they learn that life can be great when you try something new! Based on the award-winning book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field published by Hachette Childrens Group, this brand-new stage adaptation is directed by Emma Earle (Oi Frog & Friends!), with music and lyrics by Eamonn ODwyer (The Lion Inside and CFTs Hey! Christmas Tree).
SHLOMOS BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS Minerva Theatre, 15 November
All ages 2pm
SK Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who makes all kinds of music using just their mouth and a mic. Join this sonic superhero for a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether youre aged 1 or 101.
LITTLE M Minerva Theatre, 16 January Ages 8+ 4pm & 7.30pm A reimagining of Hans Christian Andersens The Little Mermaid for anyone who feels like theyre swimming against the tide. Fantastical puppetry, magical transformations and spectacular dance all combine to tell this extraordinary coming-of-age story, choreographed and co-directed by Anders Duckworth, and written and co-directed by Luke Skilbeck.
NICK SHARRATTS PICTURE BOOK DRAWALONG Minerva Theatre, 31 January Ages 4+ 1pm Much-loved childrens writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt with a fun-filled draw along for all ages. Hell be sharing his favourite books, introducing brand new ones, showing how to draw lots of exciting characters and create your own too, with tips and games along the way. Bring drawing things, paper and something to lean on.
Community events
CHILDRENS CONCERT Festival Theatre, 13 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.
CHICHESTER COLLEGE INTERMEZZO Minerva Theatre, 13 14 January Dance students from Chichester College present their eclectic new repertoire of works, encompassing a range of styles from jazz to contemporary and commercial.
HONOURING COURAGEOUS WOMEN Minerva Theatre, 27 January Following her sell-out show in 2024, best-selling novelist and historian, Kate Mosse, returns for Chichester Marks Holocaust Memorial Day with a new one-woman show celebrating courageous, trail-blazing women who have stood firm against tyranny, fought for humanitarian rights, and marched for equality.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CAREER DAY Festival Theatre, 3 February 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. Hosted in association with Chichester College, Future Creators and Talent Accelerator.
OVATION ROCK SHOW Minerva Theatre, 27 28 February
Talented young musicians return to the Minerva for 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 Minerva Theatre, 2 3 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 CFTs own Friday Company, and a new Open Mic opportunity.
NT CONNECTIONS Minerva Theatre, 4 7 March Connections is the National Theatres annual, nationwide youth theatre festival that commissions new plays for young people to perform. The programme brings together some of the UKs most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow, performed by local schools, youth theatre and community groups.
ENCORE VOCAL CHOIR Minerva Theatre, 14 March Encore Vocal Choir singers unite to present the very best of their repertoire; conducted by Abby Charman: a reflection of the friendships, voices and memories that make Encore what it is.
Off-Stage Events Throughout the Winter season, a multitude of activities, workshops, pre- and post-show talks and crafts are on offer.
Santas Grotto is back for 2025, with an opportunity to visit the Elves Workshop, meet Father Christmas himself and get an early present, from 6 23 December. Mistletoe & Melodies in The Brasserie (12 13 December) is an enchanting evening of festive dining and Christmas music.
Creation Station and Fold Our City return for October half term craft activities; there are Pop-up Play Cafés before selected Minerva Theatre family performances, and weekly Family Fun provides free crafts, colouring in fancy dress and a reading zone. Counting Sheeps is a musical adventure for ages 0 3.
Mini Makers and Shakers offers early-years classes for 0 5 year-olds during termtime (choose from Boogie with Baby, Mini Movers or Melody Circle) and Little Notes for ages 0 4 also returns.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Priority booking for Champions and Friends of Chichester Festival Theatre opens:
Saturday 6 September from 9am (online and by booking form only)
Tuesday 9 September from 10am (phone and in person)
Groups and schools booking opens:
Thursday 11 September from 9am
Public booking opens:
Saturday 13 September from 9am (online only)
Tuesday 16 September from 10am (phone and in person)
Box Office 01243 781312; online cft.org.uk
PROLOGUE: £5 tickets for 16 30s
An allocation of tickets priced at just £5 is available for 16 to 30 year olds for many productions throughout the Winter season. Sign up free at cft.org.uk/prologue
