Main image: Emma
A bumper winter season of shows has been unveiled at the Chichester Festival Theatre featuring some of the best touring productions in the UK.
EMMA – Festival Theatre, 4 – 8 November
Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary is celebrated in fitting style with a new stage adaptation of her comedy of manners, Emma. The beautiful, high-spirited Emma Woodhouse is determined that she will never marry but loves to meddle in her friends’ and neighbours’ relationships. But as the romantic web she weaves becomes ever more entangled, will Emma herself get swept up in true love’s wake…?
This new production is adapted by Ryan Craig; Stephen Unwin directs. The cast includes India Shaw-Smith as Emma, alongside Oscar Batterham, William Chubb, Jade
Kennedy, Peter Losasso, Rose Quentin, Daniel Rainford, Ed Sayer and Maiya Louise Thapar.
THE SEAGULL – Festival Theatre, 11 – 15 November
Chekhov’s much-loved masterpiece soars anew in a darkly comic reimagining by Mike Poulton, directed by James Brining, with beloved stage and screen star Caroline Quentin leading a stellar ensemble. The Seagull blends sharp-edged comedy and emotionally rich drama into a timeless story of vanity, creative hunger, and the cost of dreams.
A once-celebrated actress, Arkadina (Quentin) dominates every room she enters, leaving little chance for anyone else to shine. Her son, the tormented young playwright Konstantin, yearns to escape her shadow, revolutionise theatre, and win the heart of Nina, a luminous young woman with dreams of the stage. But when Nina’s gaze turns instead to Arkadina’s lover, the celebrated writer Trigorin, egos and passions collide with devastating consequences.
DEAR ENGLAND – Festival Theatre, 20 – 29 November
The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning smash hit comes to Chichester in a highly anticipated tour.
It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
From multi award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC; Quiz, This House, CFT) and director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War), this joyous, five-star ‘new stage epic’ (The Telegraph) tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager, in a ‘gripping and moving’ (Sunday Times) examination of nation and game.
David Sturzaker (Doctors, BBC) plays former England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack (Eastenders, BBC; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as team psychologist Pippa Grange.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS – Festival Theatre, 2 – 6 December Ages 7+
The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and the uplifting voices of the Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatre’s traditional, much-loved
Christmas Concerts – guaranteed to leave audiences feeling merry and bright. Brimming with yuletide cheer, the concerts promise an evening of cherished carols and classic Christmas melodies, alongside some enchanting new arrangements.
Stiles and Drewe’s Minerva Theatre, 6 – 28 December
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Music by George Stiles. Book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. A co-production with Unicorn Theatre Ages 3 – 7.
From the award-winning Stiles and Drewe (The Billy Goats Gruff, Honk!, Half a Sixpence) comes The Three Little Pigs – a “very curly musical tail” that is perfect for the whole family.
This charming and witty adventure is full of catchy songs and clever rhymes which will have you squealing with glee as three superstar piglets set about defeating the Big Bad Wolf.
Devoted Mother Pig is raising her three little pigs – sporty Bar, nature-loving Bee and bookworm Q – after Father Pig was gobbled by the Big Bad Wolf. But when their home starts looking like a really messy pigsty, Mother encourages her fast-growing youngsters to make their own way in the big wide world. Bar, Bee and Q set about building their own houses from straw, sticks and bricks. But can they get the better of the huffing, puffing, always hungry (and a bit misunderstood) Big Bad Wolf?
A co-production with the Unicorn Theatre, directed by Jade Lewis, this hugely entertaining adaptation of the classic tale is a perfect musical Christmas treat for young families.
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
For ages 3 – 7. There will be a Relaxed Performance on 28 December. World Premiere Chichester Festival Youth Theatre Festival Theatre, 15 – 31 December
A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS Ages 7+
By Matt Haig. Adapted for the stage by Philip Wilson Music by Tom Brady Lyrics by Philip Wilson and Tom Brady Directed by Dale Rooks
An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.
For 11-year-old Nikolas, whose nickname is Christmas because he was born on 25 December, life isn’t easy. With only a doll made out of a turnip to keep him company, he believes in happiness but isn’t happy very often. Until the day he sets out – with his pet mouse Miika and a reindeer called Blitzen – on an extraordinary quest to follow his father and to find Elfhelm, the fabled village of the elves.
Join Nikolas on this life-changing adventure, full of fantastic characters and beautiful moments, and watch how one little boy comes to be the very symbol of Christmas itself. Full to bursting with festive wonder, this story from the award-winning writer Matt Haig – adapted for the stage by Philip Wilson (Cinderella, Grimm Tales), with original live music and songs by Tom Brady (Pinocchio, The Butterfly Lion) – will warm the hearts of audiences young and old.
In their 40th anniversary year, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre bring their magical gifts for storytelling to another captivating Christmas production, directed by Dale Rooks (The Wind in the Willows, Hey! Christmas Tree).
For ages 7+. There will be a Gala Performance on 21 December, and a Relaxed Performance on 30 December.
INSPECTOR MORSE: House of Ghosts – Festival Theatre, 6 – 10 January
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, based on characters by Colin Dexter, this original story written for the stage by Alma Cullen is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries.
A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary Detective Chief Inspector Morse, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, 25 years earlier.
THE CONSTANT WIFE – Festival Theatre, 20 – 24 January 1927.
Constance is the perfect wife and mother, and her husband is as devoted to her as he is to his mistress, who just happens to be her best friend.
Adapted by Olivier Award-winner Laura Wade (The Watsons, CFT; TV’s Rivals) from Somerset Maugham’s glittering comedy, this Royal Shakespeare Company production is
directed by Co-Artistic Director of the RSC Tamara Harvey. This sparkling new version will star Kara Tointon (TV’s Mr Selfridge winner of Strictly Come Dancing) and features original music composed by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum.
BEING MR WICKHAM – Minerva Theatre, 20 – 24 January
Continuing the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Adrian Lukis, who starred in the renowned BBC TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, returns to the role of Mr Wickham. Join this roguish gentleman on the eve of his 60th birthday, to lift the sheets on what exactly happened 30 years on from where we left him… and discover his own version of some very famous literary events. Following hit runs in London and New York, this captivating show is produced by the award-winning Original Theatre.
Agatha Christie’s DEATH ON THE NILE – Festival Theatre, 27 – 31 January
On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder. As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot, untangle the web of lies and solve another crime?
Death on the Nile reunites writer Ken Ludwig, director Lucy Bailey (The Other Boleyn Girl, CFT; Witness for the Prosecution) and producers Fiery Angel for this brand-new adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic. Mark Hadfield (Belfast; Outlander; Wallander) stars as Poirot, joined by Glynis Barber (Dempsey and Makepeace, EastEnders) and Bob Barrett (Murder on the Orient Express, Holby City).
IT WALKS AROUND THE HOUSE AT NIGHT – Minerva Theatre, 3 – 6 February
When Joe, an out-of-work actor, takes a job playing a ghost at an old countryside manor, he expects a few cheap scares but soon uncovers something far more frightening. His role turns chillingly real, as he begins to suspect something else is lurking in the shadows.
It Walks Around The House At Night takes the audience on five spooky night-time walks with Joe — but is something following?
From the company behind Driftwood and How Not To Drown, this is a haunted house story for a new era, brought to life with tricks, twists, and a generous dose of dark humour. ThickSkin, one of the UK’s most exciting touring companies, joins forces with writer Tim Foley to create this thrilling new production, directed by Neil Bettles with sound design by Pete Malkin.
Full Details of the Winter Season: www.cft.org.uk
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