Chichester Festival Theatre
Described as “the jewel in the crown of regional theatres” by the Daily Telegraph, many people tie in a holiday to the Chichester area with a trip to the world-renowned Festival Theatre.
This unique, post-war, Grade 2 listed building is one of the UK’s flagship theatres. It’s widely known for its striking architecture and exceptional productions, with many London shows and big names making their way to its stage.
Its studio theatre, the Minerva, premieres new work, stages smaller productions and runs many community projects. In fact, Chichester Festival Theatre is home to one of the country’s largest youth theatres, with over 800 members.
The theatre has a fascinating history, which has been captured in detail through a three-year project called Pass It On and shared online. The doors opened for its first production on 6th June 1962, directed by Sir Laurence Olivier, who had recently returned from Hollywood. At the time, the auditorium could seat around 1,340 people – as many as a major London theatre – yet still people queued overnight for tickets.
This new theatre was exciting, ambitious and modern. The stage was the first of its kind in the UK for over 450 years – one that thrust itself into the centre of the audience. Pioneered by former Royal Shakespeare Company Director and Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival Theatre, Tyrone Guthrie, the staging combined ancient Greek and Roman precedents with elements of Elizabethan theatre.
The bold stage design makes it one of the UK’s most striking theatres – perfectly suited to a range of productions, whether it be drama, Shakespeare or musicals.
The light and spacious areas around the auditorium offer bars, restaurants and a café for those wishing to extend their stay before or after a production. Just a few minutes’ stroll from the hustle and bustle of Chichester city centre, it’s easy to combine a pre-theatre meal into your evening.
Visit the Chichester Festival Theatre’s website to see what’s on during your holiday in Chichester. Productions sell out fast, so book early!
Fresh air suggests…
- The theatre’s unique auditorium design means that most seats offer a fantastic view of the stage. Don’t be disappointed if only the ‘cheap seats’ are available.
- Fancy a pre-theatre meal? Our top picks – for both location and quality set menus – are Field & Folk, Purchases, Côte Brasserie and the Minerva Bar and Grill.
- If your holiday to Chichester is to tie in seeing a production at the theatre, browse our city centre properties to see what we have to offer close by.