Chichester Festival Theatre

Theatre & Venue, Chichester

Chichester Festival Theatre opened in 1962 with Laurence Olivier as its first artistic director, staging a programme that became the direct precursor to the National Theatre. The theatre has a distinctive hexagonal design with a thrust stage that extends into the audience on three sides, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the 1,300 seat capacity. The building was designed by Philip Powell and Hidalgo Moya. Productions regularly transfer to the West End, and the theatre has premiered work by a roll call of major playwrights and directors. The annual Festival season runs from April to November. Past artistic directors include John Clements, Patrick Garland, and Jonathan Church. The theatre stands in Oaklands Park on the eastern edge of the city.