We’re delighted to share the details of Festival 2025 with you, which has been announced today by our Artistic Director Justin Audibert  and Executive Director Kathy Bourne.

The season aims to bring you all the ingredients we know our audiences love – including, of course, an unmissable summer musical. In fact, music of all kinds features strongly in several productions, from stimulating new work to classic masterpieces from the world stage.

Kathleen Marshall is a multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway director and choreographer, and we’re so looking forward to her brand new production of the musical extravaganza Top Hat; don’t we all need a glorious piece of escapism?

We’re continuing our policy of maximum theatricality in the Festival Theatre, with large casts and striking designs in the hilarious The Government Inspector; the unforgettable Anna Karenina; and the classic adventure Lord of the Flies.

In the intimate Minerva, we have four premieres: a musical version of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, the transporting Marie and Rosetta, the uplifting Choir; and the whip-smart Safe Space; as well as Chichester’s first ever production of Hamlet.

As always, there’s an excellent line-up of off-stage events, and in July we’ll launch our exciting new studio space, The Nest. December brings The Three Little Pigs and the first stage adaptation of Matt Haig’s contemporary classic, A Boy Called Christmas.

Justin and Kathy say:
‘A sense of lives and society in flux is central to many of the dramas this season, with vivid characters facing momentous change – making for compelling storytelling.

‘We’re particularly excited to have attracted an outstanding list of directors, writers and actors. Our wonderful company includes Mark Addy, Natalie Dormer, Beverley Knight, Tom Rosenthal, Jenna Russell and Giles Terera; keep an eye on our website and social media for further casting updates.

‘It’s a pleasure to be working in partnership with Rose Theatre, ETT, the Unicorn Theatre and – looking ahead to 2026 – the RSC and Roald Dahl Story Company on our forthcoming co-production of The BFG. Meanwhile, Oliver!, our collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, continues its triumphant run in the West End; and our co-production with Headlong, The House Party is on tour in the UK – taking Chichester’s work to audiences across the country.

‘There’s truly something for everyone this year; and we look forward to welcoming you.’

Looking for our e-brochure, audio brochure or a large print version? You can find them all here.
 

Here's your comprehensive list of booking dates: 

Season, Artists & Directors Circles, Ovation supporters, Spotlight sponsors and above: booking opens Tuesday 18 February from 9am (online and phone)

Encore supporters: booking opens Wednesday 19 February from 9am (online and phone)

Corporate members and Applause supporters: booking opens Thursday 20 February from 9am (online and phone)

Friends and Champions: priority booking opens Saturday 22 February from 9am (online) and Tuesday 25 February from 10am (by phone and in person)

Groups and Schools (online and phone), Corporate Sponsor and Member employees (online only) booking opens Thursday 27 February

General booking: opens Saturday 1 March from 9am (online) and Tuesday 4 March from 10am (by phone and in person)

If you're already a Friend and thinking about upgrading your membership to get closer to CFT, just drop us a line at [email protected].

And remember, if you're aged 16-30, you can register as a Prologue member and snap up £5 tickets for every show in the Festival season. Prologue members can book from 9am on Saturday 1 March (online).