Chichester Festival Theatre has announced its autumn and winter season lineup, featuring productions spanning drama, music, comedy and movement.
Opening the seasonal schedule, The Last Laugh will occupy the main stage between November 3 and November 7.
The production recreates a fictional encounter involving three legendary British comedians: Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe.
The musical version of the cult film Heathers will follow from November 10 through November 14.
The production previously found audiences in the West End, on Broadway and in Melbourne’s theatre district, and this sardonic musical transfers Westerberg High’s story to the Sussex venue.
Simultaneously at the Minerva Theatre, running November 10 to November 14, The Gang of Three examines the personal conflicts between senior Labour figures Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland during their political careers.
Returning to the main stage from November 17 to November 21, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time stars Joe McFadden and Charlie Brooks.
The narrative centres on Christopher Boone, a mathematically gifted adolescent whose life becomes tangled in an investigation following the death of a neighbour’s pet.
Also running November 17 to November 21 at the Minerva Theatre, The Silence and the Noise chronicles the experiences of two young people discovering optimism amid difficult circumstances.
Noël Coward’s acclaimed comedy Present Laughter fills the main stage from November 24 to November 28.
The production, examining the challenges facing a celebrated actor, features Tracy-Ann Oberman, James Dreyfus and Adrian Lukis among its cast.
Festive musical offerings take place December 1 to December 5, with performances by the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood alongside the Chichester Cathedral Choir.
The Minerva Theatre hosts Hey!
Christmas Tree from December 5 to December 27, featuring Vicki Berwick’s seasonal narrative for younger audiences.
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre presents Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure between December 14 and December 30, catering to family audiences.
The New English Ballet Theatre brings a new take on The Nutcracker to the main stage from January 6 to January 10.
The production merges traditional ballet technique with inventive narrative approaches, showcasing distinguished guest dancers.
By Royal Appointment opens January 19 and closes January 23, presenting fictionalised access to Queen Elizabeth II’s world through the lens of royal attire.
Samantha Womack takes the role of the monarch’s wardrobe assistant, while Jane Asher portrays the Queen.
Spitfire Girls, dramatising the actual experiences of female pilots serving during the Second World War, runs January 19 to January 23 at the Minerva Theatre.
The Minerva Theatre presents The Reckoning during the same February 2 to February 6 window, dramatising actual incidents from the conflict in Ukraine.
A Tale of Two Cities brings Dickens’s historical epic to the main stage February 9 to February 13.
At the Minerva Theatre, Birdcage runs February 10 to February 13, portraying a teenager’s experiences within an apocalyptic community.
The main stage hosts A Thousand Splendid Suns from February 16 to February 20, drawn from Khaled Hosseini’s internationally successful novel.
The winter programme concludes with Punch, depicting genuine events centred on themes of optimism and transformation, from February 23 to February 27.
Beyond staged productions, the programme encompasses live music, cabaret and stand-up comedy events.
Notable performers scheduled to appear include Dame Judi Dench, Sara Pascoe and Sir Derek Jacobi.
Additional community-focused activities include dance presentations, youth-oriented concerts and an annual showcase highlighting abilities and creative contributions from learning-disabled and neurodivergent participants.
The autumn and winter programme further incorporates discussions, workshops, variety entertainment and intergenerational activities.