Chichester Festival Theatre
Iconic hexagonal theatre renowned for premiering new musicals and hosting the annual festival, offering exceptional views from every seat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the magic of live performance
Chichester Festival Theatre
Best Time
Experience the magic of live performance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic hexagonal theatre renowned for premiering new musicals and hosting the annual festival, offering exceptional views from every seat.
"This is my favourite theatre I’ve been to, and I don’t think it’s even possible to leave disappointed."
🎭 Book 'Prologue' Tickets
Young adults (16-30) can snag affordable 'chichester festival theatre tickets' with Prologue deals. :ticket:
🍽️ Pre-Theatre Dining
Enjoy a meal at the 'brasserie chichester festival theatre' or 'chichester festival theatre restaurant' before your show. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Festival Theatre
Main Auditorium
Iconic hexagonal venue hosting major productions and the annual festival. A must-see for theatre lovers.
Minerva Theatre
Minerva Theatre
Intimate studio theatre offering a more personal and often experimental theatrical experience.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Various Productions
A critically acclaimed musical that premiered here, showcasing the theatre's talent for new British musicals.
Oliver! Musical
Various Productions
This beloved musical has seen successful runs at CFT, delighting audiences with its classic songs and performances.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Explore the Minerva Theatre
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎭 Book 'Prologue' Tickets
Young adults (16-30) can snag affordable 'chichester festival theatre tickets' with Prologue deals. :ticket:
🍽️ Pre-Theatre Dining
Enjoy a meal at the 'brasserie chichester festival theatre' or 'chichester festival theatre restaurant' before your show. :knifeforkplate:
🚗 Parking Advice
Car parks are nearby but paid. Consider public transport or walking if possible. :car:
♿ Accessibility
The theatre is modern and offers good access for disabled patrons. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎭 Book 'Prologue' Tickets
Young adults (16-30) can snag affordable 'chichester festival theatre tickets' with Prologue deals. :ticket:
🍽️ Pre-Theatre Dining
Enjoy a meal at the 'brasserie chichester festival theatre' or 'chichester festival theatre restaurant' before your show. :knifeforkplate:
🚗 Parking Advice
Car parks are nearby but paid. Consider public transport or walking if possible. :car:
♿ Accessibility
The theatre is modern and offers good access for disabled patrons. :wheelchair:
🛍️ Costume Sales
Keep an eye out for 'chichester festival theatre jobs' related costume sales for unique theatre memorabilia. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chichester Festival Theatre for its high-quality productions and the excellent sightlines from its unique hexagonal auditorium. The staff are frequently noted as welcoming and helpful, contributing to a positive overall experience. While most reviews are glowing, some minor critiques mention choreography or costume fit in specific shows.
"We saw the last performance of Top Hat on Saturday and what an amazing performance it was too! Totally faultless and witty to the end. Everything dance was so very precise. Outstanding! Thank you.
Chichester is my family home and I have been coming to the theatre since a young girl. Wonderful theatre!"
LoriB
"This theatre is nothing short of fantastic. I’m a regular user of their Prologue tickets for 16-30yr olds, so I have experienced this theatre many times. The seating in the stalls and circle gives an amazing view no matter where you sit. The foyer area is a lovely place to be, and the shows they put on here never fail to be of the highest quality. This is my favourite theatre I’ve been to, and I don’t think it’s even possible to leave disappointed with your experience!"
Henry Russell
"Modern theatre in Chichester. Nice to go through. Easy access and for disabled people too. Could do with more toilets. Car park nearby but requires payment. Show at the time was "Top hat"."
Ivo Melo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chichester Festival Theatre is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. The nearest train station is Chichester, which is a short walk or taxi ride away. Several bus routes also serve the theatre. If driving, there are paid car parks nearby.
While there isn't dedicated theatre parking, several public car parks are located within a short walking distance of the venue. These car parks typically require payment.
Chichester is well-served by public transport. Regular train services connect to major cities, and local buses frequently stop near the theatre, making it convenient to reach 'chichester theatre'.
Yes, the nearest train station is Chichester. From there, it's a pleasant walk or a short taxi journey to the 'chichester festival theatre'.
The theatre is centrally located in Chichester, making it straightforward to find. Use the postcode PO19 4AP for navigation. It's a prominent landmark in the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase 'chichester festival theatre tickets' directly from the official Chichester Festival Theatre website, by phone, or in person at the box office. Booking in advance is highly recommended for popular shows.
The box office typically opens a few hours before performances. It's best to check the specific 'chichester festival theatre whats on' schedule for exact times and performance durations.
Yes, Chichester Festival Theatre offers various discounts, including 'Prologue' tickets for 16-30 year olds, group rates, and sometimes concessions for students or seniors. Check their website for details.
While it's sometimes possible to get tickets on the door for less popular shows, it's strongly advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially for major productions.
Policies vary, but generally, exchanges may be possible for a fee, and refunds are usually only offered if a performance is cancelled. It's best to review the theatre's terms and conditions when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main auditorium features a distinctive hexagonal design with excellent sightlines from most seats. The 'minerva theatre chichester' offers a more intimate setting. Reviews often praise the 'chichester festival theatre seating' for its clarity.
Yes, the theatre is modern and designed with accessibility in mind, including wheelchair access and facilities for patrons with disabilities.
Beyond performances, you can enjoy the foyer spaces, visit the theatre shop, and dine at the on-site restaurant or brasserie. They also host events and workshops.
There is no strict dress code. Most patrons opt for smart casual attire, but comfort is key.
If a performance is cancelled, the theatre will typically offer refunds or exchanges for another performance. Contact the box office for assistance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the 'chichester festival theatre restaurant' and 'brasserie chichester festival theatre' offer pre-theatre dining options. Reservations are recommended.
You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a more casual bite at the brasserie. There's also a cafe for lighter refreshments.
It is advisable to book a table in advance, especially on performance nights, to secure your spot at the 'chichester festival theatre brasserie'.
The menus typically offer a range of options, including vegetarian and often vegan choices. It's best to check the current menu online or inquire when booking.
The restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience, perfect for a pre-theatre meal, with a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally not permitted during performances to avoid disturbing other audience members and for copyright reasons. You can usually take photos in the foyer areas.
Yes, taking photos of the theatre's exterior is perfectly fine and encouraged! It's a striking piece of architecture.
The unique hexagonal architecture of the main auditorium and the vibrant foyer spaces offer great photo opportunities before or after a show.
No, filming during performances is strictly prohibited. Please respect the performers and other audience members by refraining from using your phone during the show.
Official production photos are usually available on the Chichester Festival Theatre website and their social media channels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for productions specifically aimed at younger audiences or consider bringing older children to see larger-scale musicals. The theatre's cafe and restaurant facilities can also make a family visit more comfortable. Check the 'chichester festival theatre whats on' for age recommendations and family packages.
💰 Budget Travelers
This is a fantastic way to experience high-quality theatre without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on the 'chichester festival theatre tickets' section of their website for special offers and last-minute deals. Sometimes, booking in advance for less popular shows can also yield savings. Consider visiting during off-peak times or for productions in the smaller Minerva Theatre, which may have lower ticket prices.
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
Explore both the main Festival Theatre and the intimate Minerva Theatre to catch a diverse range of performances. From Shakespearean classics to brand-new musicals, CFT consistently delivers exceptional productions that are talked about long after the curtain falls.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Chichester Festival Theatre
The building itself is a significant piece of mid-century modern architecture. Over the years, it has undergone renovations to maintain its status as a leading regional theatre. The foyer areas are spacious and welcoming, often featuring exhibitions or displays related to current productions. The adjacent Minerva Theatre offers a more intimate, studio-style space, providing a contrast to the grandeur of the main house and hosting a different range of performances.
This architectural distinctiveness is a key part of the CFT experience. It’s not just a place to see a show; it’s a venue with a strong identity and a commitment to providing a high-quality theatrical environment. The hexagonal design is frequently highlighted by visitors and creators alike as a defining feature.
A Hub for New Musicals and Productions
Recent successes include 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry', which received rave reviews and a subsequent West End run, and 'Oliver!', a major revival that also transferred to London. These productions showcase the theatre's ability to stage ambitious and high-quality shows, attracting top talent and audiences.
Attending a show at CFT offers the chance to see groundbreaking theatre in its early stages. The theatre's programming often balances established classics with exciting new ventures, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for its patrons. It's a place where theatre history is actively being made.
Community and Youth Theatre at CFT
The theatre also engages with schools and educational groups, offering workshops and performances designed to complement curriculum learning, such as the GCSE Power & Conflict Anthology performances. This outreach ensures that CFT remains accessible and relevant to a broad audience, including students.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of CFT's mission. They actively encourage participation and storytelling from those who have been part of the theatre's journey, celebrating its history and ensuring its future is inclusive and vibrant.
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