When Chichester Festival Theatre opened in 1962, it was Britain’s first modern thrust stage theatre. The brainchild of a local optician, Leslie Evershed-Martin, it was effectively ‘crowdfunded’ by local individuals and businesses: a theatre built by the community for the community, an ethos which still stands today. Between 1962-65, under its first artistic director Laurence Olivier, CFT provided the nucleus for the newly established National Theatre company.
A major project to restore and upgrade the Grade II* listed Festival Theatre was completed in 2014, and the Theatre now proudly matches its world-class artistic reputation with world-class facilities and spaces.
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. In 2022, when CFT celebrates its 60th anniversary, Daniel Evans's Festival 2021 production of South Pacific will open at Manchester Opera House followed by a run at Sadler's Wells, and then a UK and Ireland tour. Jonathan Church's production of Singin' in the Rain will also be on UK tour and in Toronto.
Festival 2022 marks our diamond anniversary and we have a sparkling season lined up. There are no less than six world premiere productions, three musicals and a host of enticing dramas; not to mention a jam-packed roster of community and digital events celebrating 60 years of CFT. Join the celebration!
For more information, visit cft.org.uk
Chairman: Sir William Castell
Artistic Director: Daniel Evans
Awards
2021/2022
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Visit England Award finalist for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
Beautiful South Tourism Awards for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism WINNER Gold
BroadwayWorld UK Awards,Accessibility Champion, WINNER
CDG Casting Awards, Best Casting in Regional Theatre, Jessica Ronane & Abby Galvin, A Monster Calls WINNER
Muddy Stilettos Sussex Awards Best Theatre/Arts Venue, WINNER
ABTT Awards, Emerging Excellence Award 2021, Jesse Caie, WINNER
2019/2020
Finalist in the Beautiful South Tourism Awards - Customer Service Superstar Award
Olivier Awards, Best Actress in a Musical, Sharon D Clarke, Caroline, Or Change, WINNER
Black British Theatre Awards, Best Female Actor in a Musical, Sharon D Clarke, Caroline, or Change, WINNER
Black British Theatre Awards, Best Recent Graduate, Amara Okereke, Oklahoma, WINNER
2018/2019
Beautiful South Tourism Awards - Customer Service Superstar Award, WINNER - SILVER AWARD
Please see individual shows for pricing.
Please note that discounts do not apply to Previews and Press Nights, or to the lowest price in the Festival Theatre.
One reduction applies per ticket, and all discounts are subject to availability.
Ticket prices may be subject to change. Call the Box Office on 01243 781312 for the latest prices.
Beautiful South Awards Winners 2017/18 - Gold 2018
Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award 2022
Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Silver 2018
Tourism South East Member - Platinum 2022
Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Gold 2022| High Season (1 Apr 2022 - 28 Feb 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 23:00 |
| Low Season (1 Mar 2023 - 30 Apr 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 18:00 |
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