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Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre: Hours, Address, Chichester Festival Theatre Reviews: 4.5/5

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Chichester Festival Theatre

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Chichester Festival Theatre
4.5
928
#8 of 49 things to do in Chichester
Theaters
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10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Situated in the cathedral city of West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, Chichester Festival Theatre is internationally renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions. Its bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses. With its light and spacious foyers and welcoming café, bars and restaurants, all with lovely views over Oaklands Park, Chichester is one of the country’s most loved and lively theatres. Come and visit.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
168 within 3 miles
The Exclusive Cake Shop & Vintage Tearoom
210
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Cafe • British
Purchases Bar, Restaurant & Accommodation
812
0.3 miEuropean • British • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Park Tavern
274
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Fenwick's Cafe
149
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Viento Delevante
257
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Spanish • Catalan
ASK Italian
901
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • European
Thyme & Chillies
177
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Healthy
Cafe Paradiso
219
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
The Bell Inn
94
419 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • British
The George and Dragon Inn
190
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
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Attractions
49 within 6 miles
Otter Gallery - University of Chichester
4
0.1 miArt Galleries
Candida Stevens Gallery
6
0.2 miArt Galleries
The Novium Museum
489
0.4 miSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Bishop's Palace Gardens
503
0.5 miGardens
Chichester Cathedral
2,121
0.5 miArchitectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Priory Park
88
0.3 miParks
Pallant House Gallery
264
0.5 miArt Galleries
New Park Community & Arts Association
18
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Chichester City Walls
187
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Chichester's Market Cross
101
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
928 reviews
Excellent
691
Very good
159
Average
28
Poor
16
Terrible
34
LaNyonsaise
West Midlands, UK800 contributions
Festival Theatre
Apr 2022 • Couples
During a short break in Chichester we were lucky to coincide with a run of The Taxidermist’s Daughter which is set in the local area and makes reference to some of the places we had discovered. The production was technically very sophisticated, especially the storm special effects. This is a modern, purpose built theatre with a thrust stage similar to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford and actors join and leave the performance in close proximity to the audience. The view from the mid priced seats was very good, entrance and exit from the auditorium was quick and well supported by the marshals.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AnnieM452
Burton upon Trent, UK812 contributions
South Pacific
Aug 2021 • Friends
We travelled from the Midlands to see South Pacific at the theatre as we love this musical. We were not disappointed either. We have seats that were central but towards the back so an excellent view although I suspect that all seats are pretty good. Everything about the performance was brilliant from the fantastic orchestra to the singing and dancing. Quite often we find that there is one weaker performer in a production but not this one. We loved it!

Only slight issue was service at the bar at the outset due to the volume of people waiting to be served but you can pre order interval drinks and that was much quicker.

Parking was close by and only charged until 8 pm so not too expensive either.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
queen48
Fareham73 contributions
Pinnochio in covid times
Dec 2021
Went to see the excellent show of Pinnochio. Cast were so well trained and the performance was lovely. CFT is covid safe as much as it can. The mask wearing is mandatory and there are announcements orally and written. Sadly 4 people behind us did not wear a mask which is frustrating and selfish. They should not have been allowed to sit unmasked.
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TP708
Portsmouth, UK9 contributions
A sub-standard meal
Feb 2022
We ate at The Brasserie. The Two course £50+ meal for two was quite substandard. A plate of tomato sauce with a lump of white fish on top. We had to order potatoes to pad it out a bit. The pudding was quite hopeful so I ordered the coconut cream with poached rhubarb. When it arrived it wasn't the nice moussey kind of thing I was imagining it was a solid lump that was something like coconut ice except that it was solid rather than being gently sweet coconut. There was a tiny amount of rhubarb and the few mouthfuls I ate with the rhubarb were passable. Once the rhubarb was eaten though the rest was revolting. I passed it over to my husband when he finished his pud but he couldn't eat it either. When we mentioned it to the waitress (fully expecting to be refunded) she merely said "Yes that one does divide opinion". That was it. We had to pay. Never again.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert N
Manchester, UK85 contributions
Excellent in every way
Sep 2021
Went to the last performance of South Pacific. An absolutely stunning performance, with excellent singing, choreography and direction. It worked well on the thrust stage and the 'revolve' was put to good use.. There was good use of lighting and many scenes were quite enchanting.

The show is packed with memorable songs, but underneath it all was a profound anti racist message from Hammerstein. OK, yes it's done the way that was appropriate 70 odd years ago, and today we might do these things a little differently. But we weren't lectured at all, but the message was clearly done.

This performance had another resonance for many of us there, it was our first visit to the theatre since the pandemic, and we rejoiced in the ability to do so. I gather that all the performances had a similar emotional appeal. The applause at the end of this, the final Chichester performance was ecstatic. We both felt emotionally drained as we left.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HARWOOD186406
West Sussex, UK169 contributions
Some Enchanted Evening
Aug 2021
We are very lucky to have in Chichester the Festival theatre that puts on stunning productions such as the current South Pacific.

Staging is minimalist but sets the scene brilliantly. The cast were without exception some of the best you will see outside of the West End. Many of the cast have been in West end shows already.

You do not want to pick 'stars' from the show, however mention must be made of Julian Ovenden who played Emile de Becque. A presence on stage that never dominated but complimented those with him. A powerful voice and not a note wrong in the whole show.

There are only a few weeks of this production to run, get a ticket if you can and immerse yourself in one of the best productions you will see.

Rogers and Hammerstein must be looking down and be beaming huge smiles.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SarahHawkes
Crawley, UK65 contributions
Lovely theatre, programmes never disapoint!
Apr 2022
Enjoyed another visit to this lovely theatre to watch The Taxidermist's Daughter. This theatre has it all.....easy car parking, good views from all areas of seating, always excellent productions, good cafe or restaurant if you prefer a delicious meal.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OdieUK
Dorset, UK199 contributions
Happy happy happy talk…
Jul 2021
Went to see South Pacific at The Chichester Festival Theatre.

South Pacific - this was truly an epic production with a great cast. At the start I did have a little difficulty hearing the actors. However, I think this was an initial glitch, as within ten minutes I had no problem hearing. The set design was modern and interesting.

The theatre - the last time I was at the theatre was in the late 70s on a school trip from Bournemouth. Every member of staff who I met on this trip were friendly and helpful. Everyone was following covid guidelines with care. In fact their was one young gentleman who spent before, during and after the show, cleaning handles, doors, toilet facilities etc. He didn’t stop. I don’t know if anyone else thanked him but I did.
What a wonderful theatre to visit.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ceciliamorrison
East Grinstead, UK1,068 contributions
A lovely theatre
Nov 2018 • Friends
Always enjoy a visit to this theatre. It’s clean, spacious and the seats are comfortable, plenty of leg room and one has a good view of the stage, wherever one sits. We saw Six which is a musical, it was loud and very energetic. It was colourful too. The stage in the theatre was perfect for this show.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Honey Bee
26 contributions
Outstanding - WOW
Feb 2020 • Friends
Very highly recommend the shows here. I feel amazed after every show I have seen - eacb show makes you feel every emotion. I have seen 3 shows now - Wizard of Oz, my cousin Rachel and a monster calls - and all 3 have been of outstanding quality, creativity and talent. The theatre itself is modern and spacious with wonderful technology. I feel honoured to be able to watch such incredible theatre and to have it so close to the uni!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chichester Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Theatre is open:
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM