CHRISTMAS AT CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
Magical festive moments for all ages
Christmas at Chichester Festival Theatre means a generous helping of music, magic and merriment for everyone, young and old, to make this festive season truly sparkle.
Hey! Christmas Tree is an enchanting tale for small children and their grown-ups; Chichester Festival Youth Theatre will be flying high with fun for all the family in Peter Pan: A musical adventure; and ballet returns to the Festival Theatre stage with a vibrant New Year production of The Nutcracker.
Little ones can join the CFT Elves on a journey to the North Pole in Santas Grotto, or play in the Christmas Wonder Gig. There's traditional music from The Band of HM Royal Marines and Chichester Cathedral Choir in the beloved Christmas Concerts, and festive dining and music in Mistletoe & Melodies.
And for those looking for present inspiration, why not give the gift of theatre? CFT Gift Vouchers last for two years giving the recipient total flexibility to choose whatever takes their fancy.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS 1 5 December | Festival Theatre Ages 7+ The Band of His Majestys Royal Marines Collingwood and Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatre's traditional, uplifting Christmas Concerts guaranteed to leave audiences feeling merry and bright. Brimming with yuletide cheer, the concerts promise cherished carols and classic melodies, alongside new arrangements and a seasonal sing-along.
Hey! Christmas Tree 5 27 December | Minerva Theatre
Written by Vicki Berwick Relaxed Performance: 9 December From a poem by Michael Morpurgo Ages 3 -7 Music and Lyrics by Eamonn ODwyer
Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo and written by Vicki Berwick, returns to the Minerva Theatre following its hugely popular 2024 premiere.
Tree is rescued from the forest on Christmas Eve by Mavis, the motorbiking park ranger, who lives with her cheeky cat Winston and 9-year-old Yulia, who doesnt want to talk and is a long way from home. Tree has never had Christmas before and isn't sure about all the decorations he has to wear. But he meets Father Christmas and the Snow Woman, and with Yulia to care for him, he starts to dance. The seasons come and go, Tree grows taller, and soon Christmas comes around once again. And alongside the gifts in their stockings is the best present of all.
Dale Rooks, whose Chichester productions include The Butterfly Lion, Running Wild and A Boy Called Christmas, directs. Original cast members Olivia Arnold (Yulia), Callum Balmforth (Winston), Amanda Gordon (Mavis) and Nick Howard-Brown (Tree) return, joined by Iona Crampton (The Three Little Pigs) as Father Christmas/Susan the Snow Woman.
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present Stiles and Drewes 14 30 December | Festival Theatre PETER PAN A musical adventure For ages 7+ Music by George Stiles Lyrics by Anthony Drewe In a new version by Anthony Drewe Based on the book by Willis Hall Adapted from J.M. Barries original play with permission from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.
Join Chichester Festival Youth Theatre in this magical and exciting tale about the three Darling children Wendy, John and Michael whose world changes when a boy who doesnt want to grow up flies into their London bedroom, and teaches them how to take wing themselves. And so begins an awfully big adventure more deliciously dangerous and thrilling than they could ever have imagined.
Reaching the island of Never Land, they meet the cheeky fairy Tinker Bell, quarrelsome Lost Boys, mysterious mermaids, rapscallion pirates and, of course, the elegant and menacing Captain Hook…!
An unmissable, classic musical adaptation presented by the multi-talented Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, directed by Lucy Betts (The Wizard of Oz) and supported by a full professional creative team.
For ages 7+. Press night: Thursday 17 December. There will be a Relaxed Performance on 30 December at 2pm.
Peter Pan A musical adventure is sponsored by Chichester College and James Todd & Co.
New English Ballet Theatre THE NUTCRACKER 6 10 January | Festival Theatre
New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovskys original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling, this production offers an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.
At a glittering modern-day Christmas party, Clara is gifted a Nutcracker by an eccentric entertainer, unaware that it will lead her into a dreamlike world of snowy landscapes, mystery and magic.
This fresh interpretation of the timeless ballet is created by Valentino Zucchetti, one of NEBTs Associate Choreographers and a First Soloist of The Royal Ballet. The production features elegant, expressive movement and breathtaking performances by inspiring guest artists. Perfect for families, first-time and seasoned ballet-goers alike, The Nutcracker is reimagined with sparkle, heart, and joyful creativity a magical celebration of the festive season.
SANTAS GROTTO 4 23 December | Oaklands Park
Santas Grotto has had a makeover, so join the CFT Elves on a journey to the North Pole and help them finish their Christmas tasks in time for an appointment with The Man in Red. Youll have a chance to take an elfie and little ones receive an early present to place under the tree.
CHRISTMAS WONDER GIG 4 December | Minerva Bar, For ages 0 4 10am & 11.15am
Filskit Theatre return with toe-tapping, acoustic music performed by a live musician in a relaxed space, while an experienced play facilitator entertains your little one with props, puppets, bubbles, and gentle child-led play.
MISTLETOE & MELODIES A Musical Supper 11 & 12 December | The Brasserie
An enchanting evening of festive dining and music, with a sumptuous three-course dinner and a glass of fizz. West End performers, including Nicholas Duncan (My Fair Lady) will serenade you with beloved Christmas songs.
SCROOGE LIVE TO FILM The Nest | 19 December | 2pm & 8pm The classic 1951 film Scrooge, starring the legendary Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, comes alive with a newly orchestrated live score, performed by the three-piece FB Pocket Orchestra. Their reimagined music and atmospheric sound effects will immerse you in this Christmas tale of redemption and goodwill.
Gift Guide and CFT Gift Vouchers from https://www.cft.org.uk/gift-guide
Box Office 01243 781312; online cft.org.uk
