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

Be part of bold new theatre at The Nest!

Join us for a night of scratch performances from a brilliant mix of theatre-makers testing out new ideas, scenes and stories. These are works-in-progress, and your reactions, thoughts and feedback could help take them to the next stage.

Expect a lively, informal night of theatre that's rough around the edges but full of heart.

Come curious. Stay for the conversation.

Acts to be announced closer to the performance date.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/under-construction

Join us for Comedy at The Nest!

Headlining the show is stand-up comedian, actor and writer, Sunil Patel.

Known for his starring role as Sujan in Borderline, (Channel 5) and as John Robbins’ sidekick and fact-master in quiz show Beat the Internet (Dave), Sunil also co-hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series, But Where Are You Really From?. Sunil has also featured in ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, Comedy Central Live and Jonathan Ross's Comedy Club on ITV. He is a regular at the Edinburgh Festival, with his most recent show, the 'immensely entertaining'(Entertainment Now) Faster Horses,receiving rave reviews and a run at the Soho Theatre in 2023.

He has had roles in many TV shows including Alice and Jack and Stath Lets Flats (both Channel 4), The Witchfinder (BBC Two), Bloods (Sky One) and This Time with Alan Partridge (BBC One). Sunil has hosted his own Radio 4 comedy show An Idiot’s Guide to Bagging an Heiress, the follow up to his previous Radio 4 show, An Idiot's Guide To Cryptocurrency in 2022.

Opening the show is Pierre Hollins. An audience favourite on the comedy circuit for many years, Pierre has supported acts such as Lenny Henry and Rory Bremner, appeared in the West End with Rita Rudner and toured with The Flying Pickets and Willie Rushton & Barry Cryer. Using his guitar to deliver a host of clever jokes that rhyme, it’s easy to see why Pierre has been at the top of the game for so many years. His TV credits include Saturday Night Live (Channel 4), Hugh & Laurie (BBC) and Jerry Sadovitz Show (Channel 5).

They’ll be joined by up-and-coming comedy star Micah Hall. Hailing from South London, Micah has quickly become a rising star in the comedy scene with his unique blend of hard-hitting honesty and laid-back humour. Micah has performed stand up on BAFTA-winning The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan and won a much coveted place on the annual Pleasance Comedy Reserve at the Edinburgh Fringe. He also joined Babatunde Aléshé as support on his smash hit nationwide tour, Babahood.

All hosted by the brilliant Jeremy O’Donnell!

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/comedy-at-the-nest-july-2026

Writer, actor and theatre-maker Alice Mary Cooper presents The Bush, following the success of her previous solo work Waves.

In this one-woman performance, Alice, 'a born storyteller' (The West Australian) recalls the inspiring true story of 13 1970s 'housewives' who battled for 13 years to save bushland in her native Sydney - starting a nationwide movement of Green Bans, protecting land and the natural environment from destruction across Australia.

It is a story of grassroots community environmental activism, an unlikely alliance between conservatives and communists, and how a ten-year campaign helped save a piece of native bushland in a Sydney suburb.

The show speaks to the current climate crisis and campaign for a Just Transition, while also joyfully celebrating a pivotal moment in the history of global environmental and feminist movements. Audiences 14+ will experience a highly energetic performance told in Alice’s distinctive physical storytelling style.

A timely celebration of community environmental action that promises to entertain, encourage and empower.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/the-bush

Ahoy land lubbers and deck scrubbers!

Join Annie and her motley pirate crew as they set sail on a journey of discovery, meeting curious creatures, battling krakens and stormy seas along the way in this fast paced and funny adventure to discover that what’s treasured most isn’t always gold.

The team behind last year’s sell out Edinburgh show The Wonderful World of Winnie-the-Pooh bring you this new, family-friendly play with dance, original song and live music that will capture the imagination of every child and every grown-up who still dreams of sailing beyond the horizon.

Recommended for ages 4+

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/a-pirates-bedtime

‘For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow!’

Gwen Lally who?

A visionary. Defier. Leader. A pioneer whose gender non-conformity challenged social norms and societal expectations of her time. This reimagining of the life of Gwen Lally, fuses an Edwardian England with twisted modernity. Alongside her, a cast of the famous and forgotten. Whimsical yet sharp-edged, Gwen’s world is beautiful and broken; a delicate palace built on applause and dismissal.

Gwen Lally paved the way for future generations of artists and revolutionaries. At its heart, the piece is a reclamation and tribute to a woman erased by the history she helped create.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/for-shes-a-jolly-good-fellow

Goodbye Dandelion is the story of an unlikely friendship with a 50-year age gap. Oh, and death!

Told by real-life siblings (Maddie on the mic and Marcus on the keys) it follows 87-year-old Darcy’s last years on earth through the eyes of a new friend. Blending storytelling and live piano, this bold and witty new show tries to make sense of the un-make-sense-able and asks what’s stopping us from really living. From the team behind Fringe hit Pickle Jar.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/goodbye-dandelion

Once upon a time, a washed-up writer-comedian-technophobe went off-grid in a confused relocation/mid-life crisis.

But the grass ain’t always greener.

His only hope? His greatest fear…

Perrier and Fringe First winner Will Adamsdale comes to The Nest with a hilarious true(ish) robo-bromance about finally embracing his old enemy technology.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/will-adamsdale-ai-ai-oh

A hilarious one-woman musical based on an unapologetic dating advice book that writer-performer Grace O'Keefe's own mother wrote. Publishers said it would set feminism back 20 years. 40 years later, let's find out!

The theatrical equivalent of a little girl struggling in her mother's heels, this musical explores relationships, romance and the performance of womanhood.

Featuring original music by Grace O'Keefe (Summoning Sondheim;Sense and Sensibility; and Best Newcomer at Musical Comedy Awards), the show will leave audiences with a deeper appreciation of their mothers and a chaotic new approach to dating and life.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/a-to-z-guide-to-dating

Ash (the bad boy), Ewan (the romantic boy), Cody (the sporty boy), and Ruben (the...other boy) are kicking off their second world tour as the biggest boyband in the world, MAN!FEST.

There’s just one catch; they’re played by women.

Their tweenage fangirls are maturing and the threat of female empowerment and independence looms. With constant pressure from management and an overwhelming sense of duty to their screaming groupies, MAN!FEST fights from collapsing as the demand for perfection climbs to impossible heights.

A riotous drag musical that exposes toxic masculinity and its effect on boybands and fangirls.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/man-fest-the-drag-boy-band-musical

Mary Floppins has cracked the sh*ts.

Wipe the wee from the toilet seat and pick up your dirty undies, because The Perfect Nanny is back to teach all you little boys - and girls - a thing or two about running a prim and proper household. Hailed 'a rising star and quadruple threat' (Spy In The Stalls), Jessica Barton combines a spoonful of song, dance, clowning and deep-cleaning to present a skanky and empowering comedy debut that has garnered critical acclaim and sold-out audiences across the UK and Australia.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/dirty-work

For nearly 20 years, Rev. Derek Gritt has brought a little bit of holy into Britain’s homes with his TV show At Your Service - now only available online (which is FINE!). This week, he heads to the quaint village of Godbsy-upon-Treen to fulfil mega-fan Jane Plemley’s last wish to have her funeral televised. As usual, he’ll lead the service and answer your burning questions. Except the ones about Jane. She’s NOT a witch.

This debut hour from Hudson Hughes (creator of cult-hit gameshow Hot Rubber) sees TV’s favourite vicar battle satanic powers and an addiction to vaping.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/hudson-hughes-at-your-service

'I can hear someone out there. They’re singing to me.'

Whale sings his heart out into the deep blue sea… but nobody sings back. Is he the only one like him in the whole ocean?

Just when he’s about to give up, a mysterious voice echoes through the waves. Determined to find the singer, Whale embarks on an unforgettable adventure—diving through glowing coral caves, dodging wibbly jellyfish and facing wild-eyed sea monsters! But will he ever find a friend who hears his song?

Join Hoglets Theatre for an exciting deep-sea adventure packed with beautiful puppets, hilarious sea creatures, original songs and lots of audience interaction! The Tale of the Loneliest Whale is a magical, interactive show that celebrates friendship, difference and the beauty of being yourself.

At its heart, this is a story about neurodiversity, about how being different can be lonely, but also beautiful. The play was developed through workshops and conversations with children, including those with experience of autism, ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. Their insights shaped everything from the characters, music and story structure to the sensory elements and pacing of the show.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/tale-of-the-loneliest-whale

Pink Boots and An Alcoholic Sock Puppet is a comedy show bringing in elements of circus, clown, character-comedy and stand-up.

The show is high energy, silly, and constantly surprising the audience by taking them to different places; There is juggling with pink wellies, a contemporary dance with a can of beer, and an audience member's sock turns into a sock puppet, the star of the show. The show is part meta-commentary of what it means to be an artist, a satire of contemporary art, and part absolute nonsense.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/harvey-cobb-pink-boots-and-an-alcoholic-sock-puppet

Join us for Comedy at The Nest!

Headlining the show is the hilarious Hal Cruttenden! Hal is one of the top stand up comedians working in the UK today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. He has made several appearances on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and The Royal Variety Performance as well as regular appearances on shows such as Mock the Week, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. He’s written and starred in his own sitcom Hal on Radio 4 (co-written with Dominic Holland). Hal’s stand up shows, It’s Best You Hear It From Me, Tough Luvi’, Chubster and Straight Outta Cruttenden are available on Amazon Prime. Other TV appearances include Would I Lie To You, Pointless Celebrities, The Weakest Link Celebrity Special, Richard Osman’s House of Games, The One Show, Celebrity Mastermind, Let’s Dance For Comic Relief, Celebrity Chase, Celebrity Tipping Point and Guessable.

Opening the show is award winning musical comedian Kate Lucas! Known for her razor sharp and deliciously dark songs, she combines catchy melodies with original lyrics to showcase her playfully bitter musings on life. Audiences have come to expect examples of what not to say and how not to behave from this gloriously talented young comic. In 2014 she took home the title for the prestigious Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year and her performances since have been met with huge critical acclaim. Lucas has since gone on to build a seriously impressive reputation on the circuit, storming it every weekend to packed out crowds at the country’s most famous comedy venues. In 2016 her debut show Whatever Happened to Kate Lucas? was met with huge critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With this kind of phenomenal track record, this very special rising star is most definitely one to watch.

Plus Sean Gorman! Since starting, Salisbury's Sean Gorman, now based in London, has quickly proven to have a bright future in stand up. Within the first couple of years he reached the finals of the Reading Fringe New Act, Piccadilly Comedy Club New Act and South Coast Comedian of The Year competitions. In 2024 he was selected as part of the prestigious Best In Class showcase at The Edinburgh Fringe, which went on to win the panel prize at The Edinburgh-ISH Comedy Awards, and received multiple 4-star reviews from publications including The Scotsman. Displaying the stage presence of a more seasoned comedian, his deadpan delivery and self-deprecating humour has the audience hanging on every word.

Hosted by the brilliant Jay Handley!

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/comedy-at-the-nest-august

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.

Rylee Spooner
Rylee is a local singer songwriter from Midhurst who has been playing the local track since they were 13 years old.

With just a guitar for company, Rylee creates a rich sound and their infectious enthusiasm and smile engages an audience, ensuring a great time is had by all. Their debut EP The Beautiful Fall takes inspiration from Joni Mitchell, Kelly Clarkson, boygenius, and Avril Lavigne - blending anthemic vocals with simple, yet powerful, guitar compositions.

In a cluttered music world, Rylee is an artist with a distinctive style and presence, taking on themes of nostalgia, longing, and self discovery.

Ffion
Ffion is a 22-year-old songwriter and creative from Swansea, Wales, with a passion for turning emotion into music. Whether singing, dancing, acting, cooking, or crafting, creativity is at the heart of everything they do.

Ffion's songs lean into a sad pop sound, shaped by raw emotion and real-life experiences, often exploring themes of heartbreak, healing, and self-reflection.

Inspired by artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Lauren Spencer Smith, and the timeless soul of Aretha Franklin and Etta James, Ffion blends modern vulnerability with classic feeling. Writing music has become a way of processing pain and telling stories that others can connect to.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/acoustic-sessions-august

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

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

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 Hutton
Ollie 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 Nicole
Lily 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

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