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Join cast members from our Festival 2026 shows as they table read brand-new scripts for the first time.Get a glimpse behind the creative process and be the first to hear these new plays out loud brought to life by the talented casts of our Festival productions.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/first-read-fridays
Your kid's first concert - Rock and Rhyme at The Nest!Poet and performer Arji Manuelpillai and jazz and rock guitarist Matt Smith are teaming up to create an unforgettable show full of energy, rhythm, and fun. Sing along to timeless favourites like Old MacDonald, Wheels on the Bus, and Sleeping Bunnies, all with a fresh, exciting twist that will have both children and grown-ups bopping along.This interactive performance blends poetry, rap, and music for a tongue-in-cheek rock show perfect for little people aged 0 to 5.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/rock-and-rhyme
Join us for Comedy at The Nest this September!Multi-award-winning comedian Jeff Innocent has reached legendary status among his peers and audiences alike by staying at the top of his game for almost three decades. His unique appeal lies in the contrast between his East End 'geezer’ appearance and demeanour, and his educated, philosophical delivery and culturally relevant subject matter. Sam Picone serves up sharp observational comedy which cleverly dissects life in modern Britain, all with a knowingly dry wit. Praised by UK comedy luminary Mo Gilligan as a 'natural on stage'.Raajiee Chelliah is a Tamil-Canadian comedian, living in London. She has audiences in stitches with her relatable stories of family life, dating fiascos, and being lactose intolerant. She is a Just For Laughs recording artist 2022-2025, JFL Culture show, featured on CBC Gem New Wave of Standup. Hosted by Paul Cox.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/comedy-at-the-nest-september
Do you have questions after a breakup that were left unanswered? Well Lydia did, so she sent a questionnaire to all her ex-partners and made a show out of it. Closure? is a one act comedy performance lecture, that follows Lydia De La Murrãy on her journey of self-discovery, through analysing all her past relationships… in detail.Lydia is a cheesy music loving, serial dating, northern lass, who is seeking closure after a particularly dysfunctional relationship that was swarmed with controversy and drama; so naturally it needed to be made into a show.Expect quirky statistics, questionable interpretive dance, and a soundtrack of early noughties bangers. Equal parts cringe, chaos, and comedy, Closure? serves up Lydia’s love life on a plate.Questionnaires, revelations, and all the drama you didn’t know you needed!
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/closure
A funny, touching tale about how a pesky street rat finds 'home sweet home'. Longing to become someone’s pet, rat considers his friend’s homes, but none are quite the right fit. All he really wants is a kindly owner, a name, and no baths... He’s even willing to wear a jumper – at a push! ‘Sometimes when I am tucked into my crisp packet, I look up at all the cosy windows and wonder what it would be like to live with creature comforts. To belong to somebody. To be an actual pet.’ Based on the award-winning picture book written and illustrated by former Children's Laureate, Lauren Child, this much-loved story has been reimagined for the stage and will be performed in our new theatre space, The Nest, prior to a tour of local schools and libraries.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/that-pesky-rat-2026
International cabaret siren Amber Topaz brings you a brand new, classy, sassy, fabulous musical revue, celebrating redheaded musical theatre stars of stage and screen.A delicious cocktail of Old Hollywood glamour, West End and Broadway classics.Full to the brim with iconic show-stopping numbers, honouring these formidable flamehaired trailblazers that have shaped musical theatre herstory.From the golden era of Hollywood to the bright lights of Vegas. Embodying legendary artists such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Shirley MacLaine, Gwen Verdon and many more.Choreographed and Directed by Nikki Woollaston (Old Friends Associate Director,West End and Broadway, Les Miserables Resident Director Worldwide Arena Tour).
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/red
Come for the music, stay for the existential crisis as genre-blurring jester and cellist Karen Hall peels back the layers of formality leaving you with only the humanity and insanity of the artist behind the instrument. And yourself. Featuring Suite Number One in G Major by JS Bach and personal comedic pieces crafted in Idiot classes, Karen fuses in a healthy dose of pathos tackling identity, expectations, and success through the eyes of a fool.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/delusions-and-grandeur
Her and Grandpa were different and definitely not the same. In her final year of school, Grandpa faces a devastating diagnosis and makes one request: To go home. But he doesn’t mean his semi-detached down the road and she knows he can’t go alone. By turns unexpected and fantastical, the pair soon find themselves journeying into the heart of Albania. As Grandpa begins to reveal the truth about his life before England, she must now find a way to say goodbye to the grandfather she only just got the chance to know. Inspired by true events, the multi-award nominated In the Land of Eagles takes us on an epic journey of heritage across borders, through a country that is too often misunderstood. A story about the lengths we go to, to make amends for the mistakes of our past.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/in-the-land-of-eagles
Daniel was determined to handle his big breakup with the grace of Julia Roberts. He didn’t. Join him as he navigates dating in your 30s, Le Creuset addiction and 12-step skincare routines, all while trying very hard to emanate love and light.Described by Rolling Stone as ‘utterly hilarious and effortlessly charismatic’, award-winning stand-up Daniel Foxx is best known for his viral comedy videos, which are enjoyed by millions of women and gays online. His critically-acclaimed debut show Villain toured internationally, including a sell-out run at New York’s SoHo Playhouse and London's legendary Clapham Grand. He co-hosts the podcast Welcome To Hell with fellow comic Dane Buckley, which debuted in Apple and Spotify's Top 10 comedy charts, and he is the author of the hit book Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/daniel-foxx-how-lovely
Who doesn’t love to cringe at an embarrassing story?! Enter DJ Funky Steve and his embarrassing story disco! Join Jenna as Funky Steve for a night of crazy comedy cringe as she spins real recorded tales of falls, toilet mishaps and excruciating intimate disasters. Each story is remixed into musical numbers, interpretive dance and Shakespeare sonnets (sort of). Prepared for a raucous, joyful celebration of our most mortifying moments, and celebrate the joy of being human! Jenna has spent two years gathering true embarrassing stories from people all across the UK. In this show she retells these stories, via the character of DJ Funky Steve, using a combination of dance, song, recorded delivery, storytelling, and comedy sketches to create a brilliantly fun evening of laughter, entertainment and cringe.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/cringe
An origin story set before her infamous partnership with Sweeney Todd, we discover what would later lead her to turn pie-maker. Here, the newly-widowed Mrs Lovett needs to find a way to survive. Using skills learned from a whaler father, a courtesan mother and a butcher husband, Eleanor 'recalibrates' her life - and her relationship with God. You may think you already know Mrs Lovett, but this new play explores what made her: the brutal choices and disappointments of a life in poverty. When the difference is life or death, morality becomes a moveable feast - and Eleanor is getting hungry... BoonDog Theatre is a multi award-winning collaborative theatre company based in the Midlands, creating exciting new dark comic stories for the stage. They are Associate Artists of the Royal and Derngate, Northampton.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/lovett
Join us for Comedy at The Nest this October!Andy Field is known and loved by his peers and audiences alike for his silly style and refreshing approach to traditional stand-up. The lead writer and star of his own BBC Radio 1 sketch series, The Andy Field Experience, with TV appearances including Stand Up For Live Comedy, As Yet Untitled, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Pie and a Pint. Recently, Andy has become a viral sensation with his A-Z whiteboard sketches on social media. Originally based in Toronto, Michelle Shaughnessy quickly made a name for herself across North America. Her debut album You Know What You Did hit number 1 on iTunes comedy charts, and her acting has featured on Hulu, Netflix and Amazon. Now based in London, Michelle’s comedy is both self-deprecating and sassy. 'Star quality' - The List Fred Barber is a stand-up comedian and writer, whose themes encompass dyspraxia, addiction and social alienation, told through sharp observations and surreal humour. Fred has written for Channel 4, BBC 3, YouTube Premium and recently for The Big Narstie Show.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/comedy-at-the-nest-october
Join us for a special evening celebrating culture, friendship, and vibrant musical connection with Musa Mboob & Xam Xam for an unforgettable night filled with melodic and rhythmic vibes.Gambian master percussionist and lead vocalist Musa delivers an electrifying fusion of Afro-Manding music and traditional West African rhythms, deeply rooted in the rich cultures of The Gambia AKA Smiling Coast of Africa. Blending traditional instruments with modern electronic guitars, his sound creates a powerful musical journey across Africa, connecting heritage with the evolving spirit of the 21st-century diaspora.Renowned for his dynamic stage presence and artistic innovation, Musa has earned a reputation as both a true entertainer and a master of his craft. Mentored by the pioneering Gambian Afro-Manding group Ifang Bondi Band, he continues to shape a distinctive musical voice, sharing stories through melodies grounded in ancestral tradition while embracing contemporary influences.Come ready to be transported on a joyful musical journey - a dance-floor-filling celebration of rhythm, unity, and pure love.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/musa-mboob-xam-xam
It's Elton John versus The Sun! World's biggest star battles world's toughest tabloid in epic eighties clash!When the soaraway Sun newspaper falsely accuses Elton John, 39, of bonking rent boys, the Rocketman blasts off a whopping multi-million lawsuit… But fuming editor, Kelvin Mackenzie, 40, is unrepentant, and launches a blistering campaign of media harassment... At the end will Elton still be standing? Or will the Sun go down on him? Based on the true story of Britain’s largest-ever libel case, it features Ferraris, punch-ups, gangsters, bugged phone calls, Princess Diana, the Vice Squad and some Devil Dogs...
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/monstering-the-rocketman
We are born of the stars.Really think about that.Try to remember that the next time you’re filling out your tax return. You’re invited to Richard’s memorial. Richard is dead, after all. He’s gone. But his friend wasn’t invited to the funeral. And he can’t let go because something happened. Something he needs to lay to rest. This is his chance.Little Animals is the story of a life-long friendship, set in a culture that can’t stop consuming. As Richard’s climate concern grows more extreme, and his friend struggles with mortgages, parenthood and the stresses of modern living, a wedge is driven between them. Because we can’t all sit around growing f**king tomatoes. Can we?A frank, funny and inventive one-man show, written and performed by Paul Ready (National Theatre, Motherland, Ann Droid) and directed by Caroline Steinbeis (Shakespeare's Globe, Sheffield Crucible) about what we’ve lost, the stories we tell ourselves, and the ever-present chance to write a new one.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/little-animals
Terry Wogan is back from the dead as part of his ongoing attempts to return to light entertainment, no matter the cost. Featuring interviews with 'real' celebrities and accompanied by a live band. Previous guests include: George Lucas, Ray Parker Jr, Anthony Hopkins, Liza Minnelli, Tim Henman, Scarlett Johansson and several different Michael Caines. Every night one lucky member of the audience will give Terry £5,000. Terry Wogan is a recipient of a KBE / dead. Featuring Benjamin Alborough as Terry Wogan and a cast of thousands (approx).
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/late-night-with-terry-wogan
One woman, a radio, and the largest earthquake in US History.Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. A part-time radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Live on air, Genie Chance must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from chaos. But as temperatures plummet and news of an even greater threat reaches the relief effort, Genie must decide how much she really owes her listening audience?Based on the incredible true story of the Great Alaskan Earthquake, Down to Chance is a heartwarming portrait of a community in crisis with the whole world listening in. After selling out the Edinburgh Fringe and thrilling London audiences at The Pleasance Theatre this spring, this 5-star, ‘deftly staged thriller’ (The Stage) lands at The Nest this autumn.Maybe You Like It's madcap new show promises frenetic action, frantic multi-roling, and immersive live sound in this ‘love letter to the golden age of radio’ (The Scotsman).Maybe You Like It create collaborative, high-energy stage shows, audio shows and podcasts that entertain and engage audiences with accessible, comedic work. Our shows are story-driven, told in a fluid-filmic style, built on 'imagination, wit and a mountain of metatheatrical humour' (The Scotsman). Maybe You Like It are Pleasance Associate Artists 2025-2027.Down to Chance was developed with support from Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Pleasance for The Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/down-to-chance
Grab a drink and chill in The Nest to the sounds of some of the UKs best emerging musicians as they perform original tracks at our new Acoustic Sessions events. Curated by Acute Sound this evening promises to be a thrill for all music lovers. Ollie HuttonOllie Hutton who also goes by his artist name Fauntleroy, is a well versed multi-instrumentalist who draws from 80s/90s synth inspired alt rock to create his own unique sound and catchy melodies. He has performed at numerous locations and venues whether it’s performing covers or his own original music. Ollie also released music at the start of this year, the song Tomboy is a simple and expressive pop rock song that uses synth, and an intricate bass and drum pattern to give it a driving edge. Ollie’s lyrics and vocal style is unique, but also a call back to what you would from singers such as Brandon Flowers and David Bowie.Lily NicoleLily Nicole’s original music is full of heartfelt, heart break and full of acoustic originality. Her music tells stories in ballad style of her past with a piano/guitar. Her songs are also to be shown with everyone for their own interpretation, but stems from raw emotion.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/acoustic-sessions-october
‘There’s a monster in the garden and it’s going to eat me.’ Bernard’s got a problem. There’s a monster in the garden… but his mum and dad are too busy to notice. So Bernard does what any sensible child would do — he tries to befriend it. That doesn’t quite go to plan. A wildly funny, physical theatre adaptation of David McKee’s much-loved picture book, bursting with chaos, live music made from instruments and household objects, and an ENORMOUS purple monster. This is a story about being heard, getting noticed, and what happens when grown-ups are just too busy — told with comedy, imagination, and plenty of mischief. With integrated Makaton, this accessible production is suitable for everyone aged 3+.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/not-now-bernard
Ryan Young is a Scottish fiddle player working within the traditional music of Scotland. His playing is noted for its distinctive tone and phrasing, with an approach that places melody and expression at the centre of the music.He first came to wider attention with his debut album, produced by four-time Grammy winner Jesse Lewis (Béla Fleck, Yo-Yo Ma), establishing the foundations of a career that has since developed an international reach. He has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, and is recognised for a style that draws on both Scottish and Irish traditions.Ryan is a multi-award-winning artist and has received multiple nominations at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, including back-to-back nominations in recent years and most recently for Musician of the Year in 2025. He has also been a finalist in both the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.His recordings have received consistent critical attention, with The Scotsman awarding five-star reviews across his work. In live performance, he has been described as “a force of nature.”Young’s third studio album, due for release in May 2026, is produced by and features Martin Hayes. Recorded with engineer Patrick Phillips (The Gloaming, Peter Gabriel), the album includes contributions from Stuart McCallum (The Breath, Cinematic Orchestra) and Louis Campbell (Sam Lee, Sam Sweeney).
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/ryan-young
The country's funniest improvisers are back in Chichester by popular demand... There aren’t many comedy shows that ask you what you want to see next… And no matter what you come up with The Noise Next Door will transform it into something hilarious. The Noise Next Door are award-winning, twelve-time sell-out legends of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and have blown audiences away on BBC One, ITV1, Comedy Central, and in comedy clubs and theatres all over the world. Don’t miss your chance to see them live.
thenest.cft.org.uk/events/improvised-comedy-live-in-chichester
Chichester Station is a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride away, with regular direct links to London Victoria, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Gatwick Airport. Connect to London Waterloo trains at nearby Havant. The number 60 Stagecoach bus stops near the Theatre.The M27 and A27 run along the coast, linking Hampshire, Sussex and Kent. The M3, A3, A29, A259 and A24 connect Portsmouth, Southampton, Mid-Sussex and London. Use the map above for directions to Chichester Festival Theatre. It's also worth looking out for scheduled roadworks on the West Sussex Council website.We'd encourage you to think green and minimise car travel where possible but recognise that driving may be your only travel option. If so, you have the option to carbon-offset your journey for £1, when booking your tickets. This £1 goes directly to Ecologi to support carbon-offsetting projects and international tree-planting programmes. Read more about this partnership here.
Northgate Car Park (PO19 6AA) is a 900-space council-run pay and display car park right on our doorstep, which charges from 8am until 8pm Monday - Saturday and 10am until 5pm on Sundays. You can pay by cash, card and contactless and the MiPermit app - chichester.gov.uk/mipermitThe car park can get very busy, and often full with city centre shoppers as well as our audiences. Allow plenty of time to park (especially if you're coming to a matinee!) and consider alternative car parks in Chichester. You can find all options at chichester.gov.uk/parking.If you have a Blue Badge you can park anywhere in Northgate Car Park free of charge. There are 8 non-reservable spaces close to the Theatre entrance. Visit Chichester District Council for other available car parks.
Looking for a bite to eat? You can grab food from other outlets on the CFT site, some do require booking, head to www.cft.org.uk/your-visit/food-drink for more information about what's on offer at CFT and the opening times.
We have a bar at The Nest which opens 45 minutes before the show starts so you can grab a drink before heading in. The bar is located in our small but perfectly formed front of house space which is open to the elements, we also have some seats and tables on our outdoor decking space when the weather allows.
Chichester’s new creative venue for fresh ideas, new voices and local artists. It’s part of CFT but with a more intimate, informal vibe. Think fringe theatre, stand-up comedy live music, interactive shows for early years, and community-led events - all in one welcoming space. Come see something different or start something yourself.Whether you’re watching or performing, The Nest is a place where stories are shared, experiments take shape and ideas come to life. The Nest is home to live events you won’t find anywhere else in Chichester — from up-and-coming comedians and acoustic gigs to new theatre and shows for little ones. All tickets are under £20, and it’s always unreserved bench seating. Just turn up, grab a drink, and dive in.
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