Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester

Type:Theatre

Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP
Chichester Festival Theatre

About

Chichester Festival Theatre creates inspiring experiences that bring people together – on and off the stage. Creativity is at the heart of everything we do, and we aim to light a spark in everyone who experiences our work – locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

As one of the UK’s flagship theatres, we are renowned for the exceptionally high standard of our productions and our industry-leading work with the community and young people. At the heart of our work are our core values: we are creatively ambitious, community-driven, inclusivity champions, and sustainably minded.

The Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses – equally suited to epic drama and musicals. The studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of new work alongside intimate revivals. Our new third venue, The Nest, opened in summer 2025: a vibrant space for dynamic work and the talent of tomorrow.

Countless productions which started life at CFT have transferred to the West End or toured nationally and internationally over the past six decades, from musicals to significant new plays and classic revivals. In 2026, six previous CFT productions are playing in London or around the UK.

We will always aspire to excellence; boldly push boundaries; seek and support current and future voices; and ensure everyone feels that they belong.

To read more about us, visit cft.org.uk.

Take a look at Chichester Festival Theatre Instagram to see whats on or take a look at the 2026 festival season video below.

Chichester Festival Theatre Instagram Link

The 2026 Chichester Festival Season

The 2026 season is now live, take a look and see what's on and book your favourite theatre shows.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Guide prices

The ‘Prices & info’ tab on each show page on our website will always have the most up-to-date prices and availability. If you have any trouble, contact our friendly Box Office on 01243 781312 or box.office@cft.org.uk.

Ticket prices are subject to change.

Events

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Saturday, 17th October 2026

A young man is grinning intensely at the camera. He is wearing a bucket hat with donkey ears. The background is a colourful rave with purple and greenA Midsummer Night's DreamJoin us at Chichester Festival Theatre for the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.
more info

Saturday, 26th September 2026 - Saturday, 17th October 2026

A view from inside a grave looking up at five people gathered around the opening. The group is an eclectic mix: a man in a hazmat suit and mask, a manAntigone ExitsTwenty-five centuries after Antigone, seven performers gather to re-tell the tale of what is buried and what comes of it. Ancient Greece crashes into the contemporary, as Sophocles' classic tragedy shines a scorching light onto our current world at Chichester Festival Theatre.
more info

Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 - Saturday, 7th November 2026

Three men stand together in front of a red curtain, lit with a golden spotlight. They all wear black tie. The man on the left wears glasses with thickThe Last LaughDirect from a London run, The Last Laugh imagines three of Britain's all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – in a dressing room, discussing the secrets of life, death, comedy and what it means to be really funny at Chichester Festival Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 10th November 2026 - Saturday, 14th November 2026

Multiple spotlights illuminate them from behind.Heathers The MusicalFollowing smash hit runs in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical comes to Chichester - wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun.
more info

Tuesday, 17th November 2026 - Saturday, 21st November 2026

A casually dressed woman and man stand in a garden at night-time, against silhouetted houses, trees and a starry sky. Behind them, a young person in aThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TimeThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story at Chichester Festival Theatre this November.
more info

Tuesday, 24th November 2026 - Saturday, 28th November 2026

A black and white photo of a glamorous blonde woman in an off-the-shoulder pleated lurex dress and big gold hoop earrings, with a confident smile. BehPresent LaughterTracy-Ann Oberman – known to millions from roles in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner – stars as Geri Essendine in this new production of Noël Coward's celebrated Present Laughter - comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this November.
more info

Tuesday, 1st December 2026 - Saturday, 5th December 2026

The Band of HM Royal Marines stand on the Festival Theatre stage dressed in military full dress, facing out front. Five drummers stand at the front, wChristmas ConcertsThe Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood and Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatre's traditional, uplifting Christmas Concerts
more info

Saturday, 5th December 2026 - Sunday, 27th December 2026

A young girl in a red winter coat hugs a small Christmas tree. She is smiling contentedly with her eyes closed, and has a red tartan bow in her hair. Hey! Christmas TreeEnchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely popular 2024 premiere.
more info

Monday, 14th December 2026 - Wednesday, 30th December 2026

A vast expanse of dark blue sea and a deep blue night sky filled with stars. There is a singular island in the water, with the moon rising from the hoPeter Pan: A musical adventureOne of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.
more info

Wednesday, 6th January 2027 - Sunday, 10th January 2027

A female dancer wearing a pink satin party dress, her dark hair fastened in a bun with a pink bow, performs an arabesque. She's holding a Nutcracker dThe NutcrackerNew English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovsky's original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling, this production at Chichester Festival Theatre offers an enchanting experience for…
more info

Tuesday, 19th January 2027 - Saturday, 23rd January 2027

An imitation of Queen Elizabeth II from behind: an older woman with nearly styled, short, grey, wavy hair, pearl earrings and a pink jacket. A hand hoBy Royal AppointmentBy Royal Appointment comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this winter. This funny, poignant and celebratory new play and a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of our most popular monarch and the image she presented to the world. Starring Jane Asher as The Queen, Call the Midwife's Laura Main as…
more info

Tuesday, 2nd February 2027 - Saturday, 6th February 2027

A close up of a woman's eye, within the pupil is an image of the same woman. She has dark brown hair and has a serious expression on her face.Before I Go To SleepActor, author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher stars in the world stage premiere of Before I Go To Sleep at Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex. Based on the international bestselling novel by S.J. Watson which became a hit film, this tense, fast-paced psychological thriller explores the…
more info

Tuesday, 9th February 2027 - Saturday, 13th February 2027

A man in a Victorian frock coat, seen from behind, walks through driving rain across a cobbled street. On either side of him loom one of the towers ofA Tale of Two CitiesAdapted by Terence Rattigan (The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea) and John Gielgud, based on Dickens' classic novel, this epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption asks: is there any price too great to pay for love? A Tale of Two Cities at Chichester Festival Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 16th February 2027 - Saturday, 20th February 2027

A girl in an orange hijab and abaya walks along rough terrain. The landscape is shades of yellow and mountainous. There are drawing of orange leaves aA Thousand Splendid SunsBirmingham Rep presents its powerful production of Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns – which has sold over 38 million copies worldwide, this touring production comes to Chichester Festival Theatre in February 27.
more info

Tuesday, 23rd February 2027 - Saturday, 27th February 2027

Against a bright orange background, a young man is in motion, as though mid-fight. He wears a white shirt. He holds one arm out to the side and his faPunchWinner of the Olivier, Critics' Circle and London Standard Awards for Best New Play: a powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End, Punch comes to…
more info

Facilities

Catering

  • Cafe
  • Picnic area - on communal parkland
  • Restaurant - to book a table email dining@cft.org.uk

Children & Infants

  • Babes in Arms
  • Baby changing
  • Family Friendly, Children Welcome
  • Highchair(s) available

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities - For details contact 01243 782219 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm) or email dining@cft.org.uk.
  • Groups welcome
  • Guided tours - Tours available by arrangement, for pre-booked groups (fee applies).
  • Open all year round

Parking & Transport

  • On Site Car Parking - Free parking after 8pm
  • Railway station within walking distance

Specialist Features

  • Educational Groups

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Video

  • Visiting Chichester Festival Theatre

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award 2024 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award 2024 2024
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Gold Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Gold 2022
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 26/27 - Gold Tourism South East Member 26/27 - Gold 2026

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday09:00 - 18:00

* Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm (or until the end of the show if there is an evening performance).
Bank Holidays can vary, please call before you visit.
Only open on Sundays if there is a performance. 

What's Nearby

  1. Chichester Cathedral

    In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval…

    0.48 miles away
  2. Bishop's Palace Gardens

    Bishop's Palace Gardens is situated within the City Walls, next to the Cathedral. And it…

    0.55 miles away
  1. South Downs Planetarium

    There are more than 4000 stars and other celestial objects in the skies of the South…

    1.12 miles away
  2. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

    A chance to see and hear the stories of heroes, in the air and on the ground, from World…

    2.74 miles away
  3. West Dean Gardens

    West Dean Gardens near Singleton in West Sussex is one of the South East’s most inspiring…

    4.39 miles away
  4. Aldingbourne Country Centre

    The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.

    Visit their open…

    4.46 miles away
  5. Weald & Downland Living Museum

    The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a hidden gem in the South East, quintessentially…

    4.5 miles away
  6. Chichester Harbour

    Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the harbour and…

    4.62 miles away
  7. Dunreyth Alpacas

    Peta and Bruce live in an idyllic setting . They are located 7 miles north of Chichester…

    4.84 miles away
  8. Earnley Butterflies, Birds and Beasts

    Three attractions in one!. Tropical butterflies, exotic birds and theme garden. There is…

    5.61 miles away
  9. Fossil hunting at Bognor Regis Beach

    London Clay good for fossil hunting, particularly around Bognor Rocks, west of pier and…

    5.63 miles away
  10. Hotham Park Miniature Railway

    This popular miniature railway, is open weekends until the summer and then open every day…

    6.08 miles away
  11. Hotham Park

    Just five minutes walk from Bognor Regis Town Centre, and two minutes from the seafront…

    6.12 miles away
  12. Bognor Regis Promenade Train

    Take a ride on the fun Mini Road Train running along The Esplanade, Bognor Regis. …

    6.27 miles away
  13. Butlins Resort, Bognor Regis - Day Visitors

    A varied and fun day out - with loads to keep everyone happy!

    6.38 miles away
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Café on the ParkCafé on the Park, ChichesterIn the Café on the Park at Chichester Festival Theatre you can find barista coffee, cracking cakes and lovely light lunches right next to the expansive green spaces of Oaklands Park.