More than 6 months on from when theatres were forced to close their doors, the arts industry continues to fight against the odds to come back to life. In the latest move to bring live performance back to our beloved stages, Chichester Festival Theatre has announced plans to re-open from next month with a new season of work, which features appearances from a number of stars including Michael Ball, Rebecca Trehearn and Jenna Russell.

Artistic Director, Daniel Evans, has said that the plans to reopen with social distancing in place has required “having to explore other forms of live performance to ensure the theatre’s future sustainability. For now, we are celebrating that Chichester Festival Theatre’s doors are opening again”. In a season that will include music, comedy, cabaret and drama, the theatre will re-open on 29 October with a production of Sarah Kane’s Crave, starring Harry Potter’s Alfred Enoch and The Crown’s Erin Doherty. It will run until 7 November, with plans in place to livestream certain performances.

The season also includes a celebration of Sondheim with Sunday in the Park with Daniel, taking place on 1 November. The concert, celebrating Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday, will feature Jenna Russell, Clive Rowe, Gabrielle Brooks and Hannah Waddingham.

In a series entitled Facing the Music, Edward Seckerson will host talks with performers including Sheila Hancock, Michael Ball and Patricia Routledge on 11, 18 & 25 November, to discuss their work in musical theatre.  

A Merry Little Christmas Celebration will run from 30 November - 3 December, starring Rebecca Trehearn alongside five musicians. Other planned events include A Night at the Musicals starring Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo, and comedy nights featuring Rosie Jones, Rich Hall and Russell Kane.

Evans said: “In putting together this eclectic mix of drama, music, cabaret and comedy, we hope there is something to entice people of all ages to experience once more the uniquely uplifting exhilaration of live performance. The season includes some distinguished names in drama and music, alongside ground-breaking contemporary performers. We’ve worked long and hard to put all the necessary measures in place for our audiences and artists’ health and comfort, and to make their visit Covid-Safe.”

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Written by: Rebecca Wallis