Venue Description

Chichester Festival Theatre creates inspiring experiences and exceptional stories that inspire, delight and bring people together – on and off the stage. We connect inventive artists with imaginative audiences. We bring theatre to schools and youth groups, to the West End and world stages, with the belief that theatre is for everyone. Sitting at the heart of a cathedral city in West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, the Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses – perfect for epic drama and musicals. Our studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of new work alongside intimate revivals. The annual Festival season runs from April to November, during which productions originated at Chichester reach an audience of over 230,000. Year-round programming continues through the winter with the Theatre presenting high-class touring productions, as well as a traditional Christmas show mounted by the renowned Chichester Festival Youth Theatre. We want every audience member to have the best possible experience.

Accessibility

In order for us to provide the best possible service for visitors with access requirements, we ask them to join our Access List; visit cft.org.uk/your-visit/access. There are 16 wheelchair spaces in the Festival Theatre on two levels, with accessible lifts either side of the auditorium. There are two wheelchair spaces in the Minerva Theatre. Please visit our website for full details.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://www.cft.org.uk/access

Accessible Performances

We provide Audio Described performances for all productions in both the Festival Theatre and Minerva Theatre, We provide Captioned and/or BSL performances for all our own productions. We offer Relaxed Performances for our summer musical and Christmas productions, welcoming audience members with and without learning disabilities who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, and occasional Dementia Friendly performances. Assistance dogs are welcome, and our free companion service CFT Buddies is there for people who worry about coming to the theatre alone. Please check the website or season brochure for more details and dates of Accessible performances.  

Awards List

Family Arts Standards 2018 Beautiful South Tourism Awards - Access & Inclusivity Silver Award 2018 Beautiful South Tourism Awards - Customer Service Superstar Silver Award 2021 Muddy Stilettos Sussex Awards - Best Theatre/Arts Venue 2022 Beautiful South Awards - Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award 2022 Visit England Awards - Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism - Gold Award 2023 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Winner

Toilets

The Festival Theatre has three fully accessible toilets, two on ground foyer level and one on the first auditorium level. It also has two adapted female toilets and two adapted male toilets within the foyer level. The Minerva Theatre has one accessible toilet on each level.

Staff

The Front of House and Box Office staff have received customer service, disability awareness and Dementia Friends training and are very aware of the importance of access within the Theatre. Their training is refreshed throughout the course of the season. If they are unable to help with your particular requirement they will contact the House Manager to assist them.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

The Theatre is situated next to a large, open park, perfect for exercising dogs. The Front of House Staff are always happy to assist in this duty if required.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls can be provided for assistance dogs. They can also be left with the Front of House Staff during a performance should the dog not be comfortable in the auditoriums.