Chichester Festival Theatre forced to postpone and cancel autumn shows

The second national lockdown has forced Chichester Festival Theatre into a radical rethink of its autumn season.
Daniel Evans, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre. Photo by Tobias KeyDaniel Evans, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre. Photo by Tobias Key
Daniel Evans, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre. Photo by Tobias Key

Kathy Bourne and Daniel Evans, executive director and artistic director, said in a statement: “Following the government's announcement of a new lockdown until December 2, we are deeply sorry to have to cancel or postpone many of the shows in our forthcoming autumn season.

“We know how much audiences have loved coming back to the theatre over the last few days and that you will be as disappointed as we are by this turn of events.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Performances of Crave – both in person and live streamed – will continue up to and including Wednesday, November 4. From Thursday, November 5 to Saturday, November 7, the play will be staged behind closed doors at the theatre and streamed live to audiences at home.

“We do still have tickets for Monday to Wednesday performances at the theatre so if you haven't done so already, do please consider moving your booking for one of those or for the live stream.

“We are also hoping to be able to stream some of the autumn season performances and will update you shortly. At this stage, we are also intending to retain our Christmas shows: A Merry Little Christmas Celebration, Dear Santa and Pinocchio.

“As you can imagine, there's an immense amount for us to organise in a short space of time, so please bear with us and we'll let you know your options as quickly as we can.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All ticket holders will be contacted by our box office with the option of exchanges, credits, refunds or donations, taking the shows in date order, starting with venue tickets for Crave.

“You can imagine how busy our box office will be at this time, so we ask you to be patient and wait to hear from us, rather than contacting us yourself; we will be in touch as soon as we possibly can.

“Once again, we want to thank you, our audiences, supporters and sponsors, for staying with us during this hugely challenging period; and to the many people who have sent us good wishes and donations.

“We will open our doors again as soon as we are allowed to do so.”