05 September 2023
Newsdesk
Chichester Festival Theatre’s Winter season offers a varied array of some of the best touring productions currently on offer in the UK.
Five-star shows coming direct from the West End include Life of Pi, Noises Off and 2:22 A Ghost Story, while star-studded dramas range from A Voyage Round My Father with Rupert Everett to The Merchant of Venice 1936 with Tracy‐Ann Oberman, and Jane Asher in Somerset Maugham’s The Circle. The original cast of Drop the Dead Donkey are reuniting on stage, and the Nina Simone-inspired Black is the Color of My Voice arrives following a sell-out tour.
Christmas at CFT this year will be a true family affair as, alongside Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s new dramatisation of The Jungle Book for ages 7+, there’s a perfect first musical for ages 3 – 7 in the Minerva: the Unicorn Theatre production of Stiles & Drewe’s The Three Billy Goats Gruff directed by Chichester’s new Artistic Director Justin Audibert. And for the first time ever, Father Christmas himself is taking up residence in Santa’s Grotto.
There’s also a plethora of music, comedy and performance from favourites such as Judi Dench, Rob Brydon, Fisherman’s Friends and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and lots more entertainment for families, on stage and off.
Plays and Musicals
Rupert Everett and Julian Wadham in
A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER Festival Theatre, 7 – 11 November BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett stars in John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play. Growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, the son continually yearns for his father’s love and respect. In shining a light on this delicate relationship between a young man and his father who adored his garden and hated visitors, and whose blindness was never mentioned, A Voyage Round My Father introduces us to a gallery of unforgettable and often hilarious characters.
John Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and a barrister in his own right, renowned as creator of Rumpole of The Bailey. Rupert Everett returns to Chichester following his acclaimed performance as Salieri in Amadeus (Festival 2014). Julian Wadham’s screen appearances include The Madness of King George, The English Patient and Downton Abbey. The director is Richard Eyre (4000 Miles).
LIFE OF PI Festival Theatre, 16 November – 2 December
For ages 8+
Winner of five Olivier Awards including Best New Play in the West End, and three Tony Awards on Broadway, the five-star theatrical phenomenon Life of Pi comes to Chichester Festival Theatre as part of its first UK tour.
Based on Yann Martel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel, which has sold over fifteen million copies worldwide, Life of Pi is the hugely popular story of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaptation, directed by Max Webster, stars an extraordinary life-size puppeteered Bengal Tiger.
After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive?
Divesh Subaskaran makes his professional debut in the central role of Pi. The cast also includes former Chichester Festival Youth Theatre member Romina Hytten, one of the seven performers who puppeteer the Tiger ‘Richard Parker’, who were collectively awarded the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 Minerva Theatre, 21 – 25 November
Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in The Merchant of Venice 1936, direct from the RSC. Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (Fiddler on the Roof 2017, EastEnders, Doctor Who) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this unforgettable, electrifying new production from director Brigid Larmour.
Tensions in London’s East End are rising and Shylock, a resilient single mother and hard- working businesswoman, is desperate to protect her daughter’s future. When the charismatic merchant Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high‐stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?
MOSQUITOES Minerva Theatre, 28 November – 2 December For ages 14+
Alice is a scientist. She lives in Geneva. As the Large Hadron Collider starts up in 2008, she is on the brink of the most exciting work of her life. Jenny is her sister. She lives in Luton. She spends a lot of time Googling. When tragedy throws them together, the collision threatens them all with chaos.
Lucy Kirkwood’s wildly ambitious play is a brilliantly funny and occasionally brutal exploration of the workings of the universe and our place within it, and what it means to be a sister, a mother and a daughter. With its strong debate about the merits of vaccination and the limitations of science, this production – the play’s first UK revival since its 2017 premiere at the National Theatre – offers a particular resonance in the context of the global pandemic and the ongoing climate change debate.
Lucy Kirkwood is the writer of a series of savagely funny, highly intelligent and beautifully observed plays that tackle the pressing issues of our times including Chimerica, The Children and The Welkin. Mosquitoes is directed by Adam Nichols.
Contains adult language and themes. Ages 14+
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Festival Theatre, 5 – 9 December The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth
and Chichester Cathedral Choir
For ages 7+
Begin the festive season in traditional style, with the exhilarating ensemble of The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines once again joining the rousing voices of the Cathedral Choir
for a concert full of Christmas cheer: from customary carols to new arrangements, all wrapped up in a beautifully presented musical celebration.
Sponsored by ITD Consultants.
THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF Minerva Theatre, 14 December – 7 January For ages 3 – 7 Morning and matinee performances Following a hugely successful run at the Unicorn Theatre last Easter, Stiles and Drewe’s joyful hit musical The Three Billy Goats Gruff arrives in Chichester for a strictly limited run.
Baby, Middle and Big are three very hungry goats, and there is absolutely no grass left to eat on their side of the valley. Come on their adventure as together with Little Bo-Frilly they hatch a plan to cross the bridge to the lush green grass on the other side. They just need to outwit that horrible tricksy troll first.
Directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s new Artistic Director Justin Audibert and featuring music and lyrics by Olivier award-winning composers George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk!), this magical, fairy-tale show is the perfect first musical for young families.
Recommended for ages 3 – 7. There will be a Relaxed Performance on 6 January at 4.30pm.
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present THE JUNGLE BOOK
By Rudyard Kipling
Adapted by Sonali Bhattacharyya
Music by Ruth Chan Directed by Matt Hassell For ages 7+
Festival Theatre, 16 – 31 December
Press night: Tuesday 19 December
This Christmas experience Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book like never before, as our brand-new adaptation by Sonali Bhattacharyya spins into exciting, pulsating life – featuring original songs by Ruth Chan written especially for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.
With a huge cast of characters from the formidable snake Kaa and laughing jackal Tabaqui, to Ikki the gossiping porcupine and Mao the strutting peacock, this beloved tale is a coming of age story about the desire for freedom that beats in the heart of every child.
Once upon a time a wolf pack discovers an abandoned child in the heart of the forest, and shelter her from the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. She’s given the nickname ‘Mowgli’, and raised as one of the pack. Baloo, the fun-seeking bear, and Bagheera, the serious panther, try to teach her from the Jungle Book, but she soon realises the Book doesn’t have all the answers.
When Shere Khan tries to banish Mowgli from the jungle she has to search for somewhere to belong – discovering what it really means to be human and how she can always rely on her friends. The adventures are far from over...
The Jungle Book is sponsored by Chichester College.
Recommended for ages 7+. There will be a BSL Interpreted and Relaxed performance on 29 December at 2pm.
Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly and Simon Shepherd in
NOISES OFF Festival Theatre, 9 – 13 January
Direct from the West End, one of the greatest British comedies ever written embarks on a major UK tour. Michael Frayn’s celebrated play serves up a riotous double bill, a play within a play, directed by Lindsay Posner.
Hurtling along at breakneck speed, Noises Off follows the on and off stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, ‘Nothing On’.
Liza Goddard’s extensive stage comedy credits include Life of Riley, Communicating Doors, Season’s Greetings and Relatively Speaking. Matthew Kelly won the Olivier Award for Of Mice and Men. His West End credits include Waiting for Godot, Comedians and Troilus and Cressida. Simon Shepherd’s many credits include Peak Practice on TV and the West End productions of Posh, The Duck House, Rapture, Art and Hay Fever.
Jane Asher, Clive Francis and Nicholas Le Prevost in
THE CIRCLE Festival Theatre, 30 January – 3 February Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy of manners was first staged in 1921 and has remained a firm favourite with audiences ever since. This much-praised production from London’s Orange Tree Theatre is directed by Tom Littler.
Jane Asher (Alfie, Deep End) plays Lady Kitty, a society beauty who notoriously abandoned her stuffy husband Clive (Clive Francis, The Crown), and eloped with the handsome Lord Porteous (Nicholas Le Prevost, Shakespeare in Love, Testament of Youth).
Thirty years later, love’s young dream has descended into non-stop squabbling... Meanwhile their son Arnold faces the same marital fate, as his wife Elizabeth threatens to elope with the dashing Teddie Luton. Will history come full circle? Or can one generation learn from their parents’ disastrous mistakes?
Somerset Maugham was among the most successful novelists and playwrights of the inter- war years. Many of his novels, including The Painted Veil, Theatre, Up at the Villa and
Of Human Bondage, have been adapted for the screen.
2:22 A GHOST STORY Festival Theatre, 6 – 10 February
Winner of Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards, this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller that has taken the West End by storm now comes to Chichester.
Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up... until 2:22... and then they’ll know.
Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, and directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr, 2:22 A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances. It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear... What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
For ages 7+ Festival Theatre, 14 – 18 February This ‘pop-fuelled, upbeat’ hit musical, based on the book by Suffragette relative Kate
Pankhurst and adapted by Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), comes from one of the producers of SIX.
Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. On her journey she meets the incredible wonder women Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few. From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest women; all independent icons who really did change the world.
Sponsored by Bedales.
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Festival Theatre, 15 – 18 February
For ages 3+ Morning & matinee performances
The smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, based on the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, returns vividly and noisily in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score.
Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.
PEAK STUFF Minerva Theatre, 15 – 17 February One performer and three stories about young people’s relationship with stuff...
Alice is done with fast fashion. Ben can’t stop buying trainers. And Charlie just wants to sell out...one organ at a time. Peak Stuff presents three fast-paced, funny, f***ed-up stories, taking a deep-dive into consumer culture. In an age of thrifting, retail therapy, climate crisis and click and collect – how does ‘stuff’ define us? And do we know when to stop?
Award-winning theatre company ThickSkin have teamed up with the writing talents of Billie Collins (Too Much World at Once) to produce a visually thrilling and inventive show. Underscored by live drumming and featuring a spectacular video design, one actor performs multiple stories to chip away at the role consumer culture plays in shaping our identity. Directed by ThickSkin’s Neil Bettles (How Not to Drown, The Unreturning), Peak Stuff is a tale for modern times.
DROP THE DEAD DONKEY: THE REAWAKENING! Festival Theatre, 20 – 24 February Breaking news: 30 years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, the Globelink News team are back, and now live on stage for the very first time.
Starring the original cast members Susannah Doyle, Robert Duncan, Ingrid Lacey, Neil Pearson, Jeff Rawle, Stephen Tompkinson and Victoria Wicks, the iconic BAFTA and EMMY award-winning comedy is reimagined in this brand-new topical commentary on the cut-throat world of 24-hour news.
Bursting with razor-sharp wit and classic British humour, written by the same award-winning writing team Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin (Outnumbered) and directed by Lindsay Posner, Drop the Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! exposes the underside of the broadcasting industry in all its riotous glory.
BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE Minerva Theatre, 20 – 24 February
For ages 12+
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live, Black is the Color of My Voice is written and performed by Apphia Campbell.
This acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. This hit play comes to Chichester following a sell-out UK tour in 2022 where it played to standing ovations, and sell‐out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh, and the West End.
Music, Performance, Talks and Comedy – one night only
SHAKESPEARE AND ME: JUDI DENCH IN CONVERSATION WITH BRENDAN O’HEA Festival Theatre, 3 November, 7.30pm
Join the inimitable and beloved Judi Dench in conversation with friend, actor and director Brendan O’Hea to celebrate their new book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent. Judi will walk us through her love letter to the nation’s greatest playwright, all brightened by her signature mischievous sense of humour. With never-before-heard stories, the triumphs, disasters, backstage shenanigans and moments from Shakespeare’s greatest works, this unique occasion will be an evening not to miss.
LIZA PULMAN & JOE STILGOE: A Couple of Swells
Festival Theatre, 6 January, 7.30pm
Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman teams up with acclaimed musician and singer, Joe Stilgoe, in a vibrant and entertaining evening of classic songs and wit, virtuoso piano playing and exquisite vocals. Liza and Joe collaborated during lockdown on the beautiful Memphis In June and Bye Bye Blackbird, resulting in many requests to play live together and the creation of this show – a magical musical pairing in an evening of some of the best music ever recorded.
CHRIS McCAUSLAND: Yonks! Festival Theatre, 15 January, 7.30pm
Ages 16+
You might have seen him on Scared of the Dark, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety Performance, QI, Blankety Blank, or The Last Leg. He’s been called an “overnight success” – even though he’s been doing this for bloody yonks! After his last sell-out tour, Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand- up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making.
GYLES BRANDRETH Can’t Stop Talking Festival Theatre, 17 January, 7.30pm
From 40 years on Radio 4’s Just A Minute to 4 years on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox, Gyles Brandreth can’t keep his mouth shut. He even talks in his sleep. What’s it all about? He’s going to tell you – because this is his life story: a roller-coaster of tales and revelations from his unlikely life in showbusiness and politics. There will be surprises too (for him and you) when the audience spins a wheel to decide what he’s going to talk about next.
FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS Festival Theatre, 19 January, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
A decade ago, Fisherman’s Friends signed a million pound record deal that saw their album Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends go Gold as they became the first ever traditional folk act to land a UK top ten album. And thanks to the small film with a big heart that shares their name, the story of the original Cornish ‘buoy band’ is known around the world. With nine albums to their name and a sell-out tour, they now arrive in Chichester for the very first time.
RADIO LIVE Festival Theatre, 20 January, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Go behind the scenes of broadcasting in an unforgettable evening of comedy, music and nostalgia. Sir Richard Stilgoe composes comedy songs on the spot. Alistair McGowan does brilliant impressions. Charlotte Green and Garry Richardson share inside stories from their lives on radio. Together these presenters have been broadcasting on our airwaves for over two centuries. Join them and special guests for a celebration filled with sparkling anecdotes, sketches and music spanning decades.
RÊVERIE: The life and loves of Claude Debussy Festival Theatre, 24 January, 7.30pm Scripted and performed by pianist Lucy Parham with narration by Henry Goodman, Rêverie evokes Debussy’s complex emotional life through a personal and revealing journal, illuminated by a sequence of his most famous and atmospheric solo piano works.
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA:
Broadway... and All That Jazz Festival Theatre, 26 January, 7.30pm Join the BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Roderick Dunk and star vocalists Katie Birtill and Emma Kershaw for a celebration of the very best of Broadway and the West End. With songs from shows including Cabaret, West Side Story, Company, Follies, Chicago, Wicked, Annie Get Your Gun and more, it will be a night to remember.
BARB JUNGR: My Marquee Minerva Theatre, 3 February, 7.15pm One of the most extraordinary British singers of her generation returns with her most recent collection, My Marquee in which she turns her attention to some of the greatest songs in British pop history. Barb will be joined by her trio of musicians for a new take on classic songs from bands and songwriters who performed at the legendary Soho venue The Marquee including The Who, Jethro Tull, The Yardbirds and The Move.
BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Minerva Bar, 26 February, 12 noon Ages 18+ (with babies up to 15 months)
The UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club comes to CFT with an award-winning show featuring some of the funniest comedians from the circuit and TV. It’s all about the parents! But don’t worry, younger guests are taken care of too. You don’t have to wind the bobbin up to have a good time.
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA:
Bond... James Bond Festival Theatre, 2 March,7.30pm
A celebration of classic songs and theme tunes from the films which have been delighting and thrilling audiences for over sixty years. Musical theatre stars Alice Fearn, fresh from playing Elphaba in Wicked, and Oliver Tompsett join the BBC Concert Orchestra with songs to include Diamonds Are Forever, Thunderball, The Man With the Golden Gun, Moonraker, You Only Live Twice, Skyfall and For Your Eyes Only... this concert is licensed to thrill.
ROB BRYDON: A Night of Songs & Laughter Festival Theatre, 3 March, 7.00pm
Join celebrated comedian, singer, actor, presenter and impressionist – the brilliantly talented Rob Brydon and his sensational live band, with songs ranging from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, and Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between), for a very special evening of toe-tapping tunes and side-splitting laughter.
More for Families
TRUTH & TAILS Minerva Bar, 5 – 8 October
Ages 4 – 7 Morning & matinee performances Two original stories written by Alice Reeves and illustrated by Phoebe Kirk, from their
popular series of books celebrating difference, are brought to life in this stage adaptation directed by Bobby Brook. Meet Roxy The Raccoon and her friends as they work to make the forest an inclusive place for all, and Carlos The Chameleon as he learns that it’s okay to be a little different.
COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Minerva Theatre, 24 October, 1pm Ages 6+
Our favourite family-friendly comedy club is back for October half term, bringing the best comedians from the circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy gig but there’s a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face?!”
BABY BROADWAY – Christmas Special Minerva Bar, 18 December, 10am & 11.15am Have yourself a merry little Christmas at this festive concert for all the family. After sold-out shows this summer, this is a chance to sing and dance along to classic Christmas musicals and films, performed by West End singers. Festive fancy dress encouraged and expect bubbles, bells, flying babies and puppets!
MICHAEL MORPURGO: CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Minerva Theatre, 13 January Ages 8+
Join celebrated children’s author Michael Morpurgo with cellist Clare O’Connell for an unforgettable performance in celebration of the natural world. Based on his collection of poems, inspired by the spectacular music of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, you’ll hear animals speak in their own voices, full of humour and energy, about their lives and the impact of humanity on their habitats.
YOU ARE THE SUN Minerva Theatre, 26 January
Ages 0 – 2 10.30am,12 midday, 2pm
HurlyBurly Theatre return to Chichester with this very first opera for babies and grownups that explores the magic of nature. Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides. We’ll conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in this magical musical adventure.
THE GRUFFALO & FRIENDS with Julia Donaldson Minerva Theatre, 24 February 11.30am & 3pm
Join best-selling author Julia Donaldson for a fun-packed hour as she and her guitar- playing husband act out stories and songs based on her many books. Get ready to meet old friends and new as she brings to life her much-treasured and well-known stories alongside some new ones. All proceeds go to buy books for local children.
Community events
CHILDREN’S CONCERT Festival Theatre, 16 January
Southern Pro Musica returns with a perfect introduction to live music played by a full professional orchestra. This hour-long concert features musical classics such as Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Offenbach’s Can-Can and much more. including audience participation compered by the brilliant musical magician Neil Henry and conducted by Jonathan Willcocks.
OVATION ROCK SHOW Minerva Theatre, 20 January
Talented young musicians return to the Minerva Theatre for the 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.
WOMEN WHO RESISTED Minerva Theatre, 27 January
Chichester Marks Holocaust Memorial Day with a specially-commissioned one-woman show from novelist, historian and Cicestrian, Kate Mosse. Celebrating extraordinary women of World War II whose courage and bravery deserve to be better known, from Irena Sendler, Yukiko Sugihara, Sophie Scholl and Renia Kukielka to Mary Elmes, Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, come and hear about some of the heroines who stood firm against the evils of the Third Reich. For two performances only.
CHICHESTER COLLEGE presents INTERMEZZO Minerva Theatre, 1 & 2 February Dance students from Chichester College present their eclectic new repertoire of works. Encompassing a range of styles from jazz to contemporary and commercial, the students will be presenting work they have developed with professional choreographers, dance lecturers and on their own as part of their vocational training programmes.
UNIVERSITY OF CHICHESTER presents We Aren’t Kids Anymore
Minerva Theatre, 8 – 10 February
We Aren’t Kids Anymore explores the collision of artistic expression and the realities of growing up. This new theatrical song cycle was born of Drew Gasparini’s journey forging a creative path and navigating the world at large, and his desire to offer empathy and hope. BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Music), directed by Steven Dexter with musical direction by Sarah Travis.
This amateur production is presented in agreement with concordtheatricals.co.uk
FestivALL Stephen Pimlott Building, 22 & 23 March
Running since 2018, Chichester Festival Theatre’s two-day celebration of the creativity and talent of learning disabled and neurodivergent people is full of incredible performances from local companies including CFT’s own Friday Company, and workshops to get even the most reserved audience member up on their feet.
Off-Stage Events
Throughout the Winter season, a multitude of cabaret performances, activities, workshops, pre- and post-show talks and crafts are on offer.
Brand new for 2023 is Santa’s Grotto, an opportunity to visit the Elves’ Workshop, meet Father Christmas himself and get an early present, from 12 – 23 December. There’s also Christmas Cabaret in The Brasserie (12 -15 December): marvellous music and cracking comedy combined with fabulous food, ideal for friends and family or even an office outing.
CFT Lates continue with live music, bingo, comedy and a murder mystery; Fizz and Feminism explores neurodivergence and celebrates International Women’s Day.
For budding artists, there’s a Life of Pi Puppetry Workshop with cast member Romina Hytton; Fold Our City is back in September, as are Creation Station Chichester for October and February half term craft activities; and The BRICK People will be here in April for Lego® enthusiasts.
Pop-up Play Cafés and Family Fun before selected Minerva Theatre family performances will provide free crafts, colouring in and a reading zone for ages 0 – 5, and there are new Family Friendly Theatre Tours too.
Mini Makers and Shakers offers new early-years classes for 2 – 5 year-olds on Wednesdays during termtime. Choose from Storytime Rhymes, Little Artists and Mini Movers. Each child will need a grown-up partner to enjoy the session with. Check cft.org.uk/minimakers for more details. To find out more about our bursary scheme, get in touch at leap@cft.org.uk.
Mini Makers and Shakers has received £4,280 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*
Priority booking for Friends of Chichester Festival Theatre opens: Saturday 9 September (online and by booking form only) Tuesday 12 September (phone and in person)
Groups and schools booking opens:
Thursday 14 September
Public booking opens:
Saturday 16 September (online only) Tuesday 19 September (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
