Introduction to Chichester Festival Theatre UK

Chichester Festival Theatre UK stands as a beacon of British theatrical excellence, headquartered in the historic city of Chichester, West Sussex. Established in 1962, this world-renowned producing theatre has earned a stellar reputation for its innovative productions, nurturing of emerging talent, and commitment to artistic risk-taking. As one of the leading regional theatres in the United Kingdom, Chichester Festival Theatre UK operates on a significant scale, employing over 300 permanent staff during peak seasons and engaging hundreds of freelance artists, technicians, and administrators annually. Its annual turnover exceeds £15 million, supported by a mix of box office revenue, generous philanthropic donations, and public funding from Arts Council England. The theatre’s artistic output is globally recognised, with numerous productions transferring to London’s West End and Broadway, winning Olivier and Tony Awards. Organisations across the cultural sector look to Chichester Festival Theatre UK as a model of sustainable creativity and community engagement, making it a top employer for professionals seeking a dynamic, purpose-driven career in the arts.

Company History and Business Evolution

The founding story of Chichester Festival Theatre UK began in the late 1950s when local visionary Leslie Evershed-Martin dreamt of building a theatre that would rival the best in Europe. Inspired by the thrust-stage design of the Shakespeare Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario, he rallied community support and secured funding to commission architects Powell and Moya. The theatre opened its doors on 3 July 1962 with a production of The Broken Heart. From the outset, the venue’s unique hexagonal auditorium with a thrust stage revolutionised audience intimacy. Under the early artistic direction of Sir John Clements and later Sir Peter Hall, the theatre quickly became a crucible for new writing and classic revivals. In the 1970s and 1980s, Chichester Festival Theatre UK expanded its repertoire to include musicals, launching productions that later conquered the West End. The 1994 addition of the intimate Minerva Theatre allowed for experimental works and smaller-scale productions. Major capital developments in the 2000s modernised backstage facilities and improved accessibility. During the 2010s, under Artistic Director Jonathan Church, the theatre achieved record box-office sales and international acclaim. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure, but the theatre pivoted to digital streaming and outdoor performances, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Daniel Evans (2019–2023) and now interim leadership, Chichester Festival Theatre UK continues to evolve, embracing sustainability, digital innovation, and deeper community partnerships.

Chichester Festival Theatre UK at a Glance

• Founded: 1962
• Headquarters: Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom
• Industry: Performing Arts, Entertainment, Cultural Institutions
• CEO Title: Executive Director (currently Kathy Bourne)
• Annual Revenue: Approximately £15–20 million (pre-pandemic)
• Number of Employees: 300+ permanent staff, 800+ seasonal/freelance
• Key Venues: Festival Theatre (1,200 seats), Minerva Theatre (290 seats)
• Artistic Output: 10–12 main-house productions annually, plus touring and digital content
• Awards: Multiple Olivier Awards, Tony Awards, UK Theatre Awards
• Funding Partners: Arts Council England, Chichester District Council, private donors
• Notable Alumni: Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen
• Community Reach: 25,000+ participants in education and outreach programmes
• Digital Transformation: Launched streaming service in 2020
• Sustainability: Working towards carbon-neutral operations by 2030
• Accreditation: National Portfolio Organisation (Arts Council England)
• Social Media: 200,000+ followers across platforms
• Visitor Numbers: Over 350,000 attendances per season
• Volunteer Base: 400+ active volunteers
• Patron: Her Majesty The Queen (until 2022), now King Charles III
• Unique Selling Point: Only UK theatre with an original thrust-stage design still in use

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Chichester Festival Theatre UK’s mission is to create world-class theatre that inspires, challenges, and unites audiences. The vision is to be a national leader in artistic innovation, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Core corporate values include artistic excellence, inclusivity, collaboration, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Every production and programme is evaluated against these values, ensuring that the theatre remains relevant and responsible. Staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, and the organisation actively promotes diversity in casting, commissioning, and recruitment. These values are not just words on a website; they are embedded in decision-making, from programming policies to procurement practices.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Chichester Festival Theatre UK has articulated a five-year strategic plan (2023–2028) focused on three pillars: Artistic Ambition, Audience Growth, and Operational Resilience. Artistic Ambition involves investing in new writing, bold revivals, and cross-genre collaborations. Audience Growth targets expanding digital reach through a hybrid model of live and streamed performances, while also deepening local engagement in underserved communities. Operational Resilience includes diversifying income streams (increasing commercial hires, retail, and catering), building a sustainable endowment, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The theatre is also investing in digital infrastructure to capture data for personalised marketing and donor cultivation. A key initiative is the ‘Festival for All’ programme, offering subsidised tickets and outreach workshops in schools and care homes. The roadmap also outlines a major capital campaign to refurbish the Minerva Theatre and improve accessibility throughout the estate.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Chichester Festival Theatre UK’s core product is live theatre, but its offerings extend far beyond the stage. The theatre produces a diverse season of plays, musicals, and family shows, many of which later tour or transfer. The Minerva Theatre serves as an incubator for new works and experimental performances. Beyond productions, the theatre offers a range of services: corporate hospitality and venue hire for conferences, weddings, and private events; a busy education department running workshops, masterclasses, and backstage tours; a digital streaming platform (Chichester Theatre On Screen) that broadcasts selected productions globally; and a comprehensive retail and catering operation. In terms of technology, the theatre uses state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and automation systems, and has invested in a CRM and ticketing platform (Tessitura) for audience analytics. The web team manages a fully responsive website with integrated e-commerce. Chichester Festival Theatre UK also licenses its productions to other theatres and media companies, generating significant ancillary revenue.

Industries and Markets Served

Primarily serving the cultural and entertainment industry, Chichester Festival Theatre UK also impacts tourism, hospitality, and education markets. Its productions attract domestic and international visitors, contributing over £30 million annually to the local economy. The theatre serves a broad demographic, from local residents to tourists and school groups. Corporate event clients include Fortune 500 companies seeking unique venues for product launches and incentive trips. The education sector is a significant market, with the theatre delivering programmes aligned with the National Curriculum and offering continuous professional development for teachers. Additionally, the theatre serves the film and television industry by providing location spaces and production expertise. Its digital streaming service reaches a global audience, expanding into the direct-to-consumer entertainment market.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership of Chichester Festival Theatre UK is characterised by a flat hierarchy and a culture of empowerment. The Executive Director and Artistic Director work in tandem, supported by a Senior Leadership Team that includes heads of Production, Finance, Marketing, Development, and Programming. Management philosophy is rooted in servant leadership: managers are encouraged to remove obstacles for their teams and foster an environment where creativity flourishes. Regular all-staff forums, anonymous feedback surveys, and cross-departmental ‘innovation labs’ ensure every voice is heard. The theatre has a strong commitment to professional development, offering internal training programmes, mentoring, and funding for external courses. The Board of Trustees provides rigorous governance, with committees overseeing finance, risk, and artistic policy. This collaborative yet accountable approach has earned the organisation a reputation as a great place to work in the arts.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Chichester Festival Theatre UK is a hub for events beyond its own productions. The venue hosts the annual Chichester Arts and Business Forum, bringing together leaders from the cultural and corporate sectors. It also runs the ‘Theatre for Business’ conference series, exploring creativity and innovation in leadership. Community engagement is extensive: the ‘Open Stage’ programme gives local groups free rehearsal and performance space; the ‘Young Company’ offers intensive training for aspiring actors aged 16–25; and the ‘Memory Café’ uses drama to support people living with dementia. The theatre also participates in national initiatives like Museums at Night and the BBC’s Contains Strong Language festival. During the pandemic, the theatre distributed 10,000 free activity packs to families and ran a virtual book club. Every December, the theatre stages a community pantomime performed by local residents, often selling out weeks in advance.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Working at Chichester Festival Theatre UK means joining a passionate, creative, and supportive community. The workforce is diverse in age, background, and discipline, comprising actors, directors, designers, technicians, front-of-house staff, administrators, and volunteers. The theatre has been recognised as a ‘Living Wage Employer’ and offers flexible working arrangements wherever possible. Employee benefits include complimentary tickets, a generous pension scheme, on-site subsidised catering, and access to mental health first aiders. The theatre’s commitment to wellbeing is evidenced by its ‘Creative Wellbeing’ programme, which offers yoga, mindfulness sessions, and confidential counselling. Team away days, summer barbecues, and end-of-season parties foster camaraderie. The theatre also champions paid internships and apprenticeships for people from underrepresented backgrounds. Turnover is low compared to industry averages, with many staff remaining for five, ten, or even twenty years. The culture is one of mutual respect, where everyone from the box office assistant to the lead actor is valued for their contribution.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Role: Marketing & Communications Manager

Reporting to: Head of Marketing & Communications

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £35,000 – £42,000 per annum depending on experience

Location: Chichester, West Sussex (with some remote flexibility)

Role Summary: As Marketing & Communications Manager, you will lead the planning and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across all channels to maximise ticket sales, enhance brand reputation, and grow our digital audience. You will manage a team of three, oversee our CRM and email marketing strategy, and work closely with press, digital, and design colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver annual marketing plans for each production, aligned to business objectives
• Manage the marketing team, setting priorities and providing coaching
• Own the audience database (Tessitura), leveraging insights to segment and target communications
• Oversee email marketing campaigns, including copywriting, scheduling, and analysis
• Collaborate with the Digital Officer on social media, website updates, and paid advertising
• Monitor campaign performance, using data to optimise ROI and report to senior leadership
• Manage external agencies for media buying, creative production, and research
• Ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints
• Contribute to crisis communications and reputational management
• Support the Development team with donor engagement marketing

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in marketing, ideally within arts, culture, or entertainment
• Proven track record of successful multi-channel campaigns with measurable results
• Experience managing a team or supervising staff
• Proficiency with CRM systems (preferably Tessitura) and marketing automation platforms
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills
• Budget management experience
• Passion for theatre and the performing arts

Why join Chichester Festival Theatre UK?

• Be part of a globally respected theatre that shapes British culture
• Work in a beautiful cathedral city with excellent transport links to London
• Access to free tickets, staff discounts, and a creative, friendly team
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Contribute to a meaningful mission that enriches thousands of lives

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Chichester Festival Theatre UK enjoys outstanding reviews across multiple platforms, reflecting its status as a cultural institution beloved by audiences, critics, and employees alike.

Glassdoor

On Glassdoor, the theatre holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating, based on over 50 anonymous employee reviews. Staff praise the collaborative atmosphere, meaningful work, and opportunities to see world-class theatre for free. Common positives include supportive management, flexible working, and the beauty of the venue. Some reviews note that pay is slightly below London rates, but this is offset by lower cost of living in Chichester. Overall, 82% of reviewers would recommend the theatre to a friend.

Indeed

Indeed reviews average 4.0 stars. Employees frequently mention the ‘unique buzz’ of working backstage during a show run, the camaraderie among teams, and the strong sense of purpose. The most cited criticism is the seasonal intensity of workload, particularly during festival periods. However, many note that the theatre accommodates time off afterwards. The theatre has been recognised on Indeed as a ‘Best Place to Work’ badge for cultural organisations.

Gartner Peer Insights

Although Gartner primarily covers technology vendors, Chichester Festival Theatre UK’s use of Tessitura CRM has earned positive feedback from peer arts organisations using the same platform. The theatre’s case studies on digital transformation and audience segmentation are cited as best practice in the Gartner for Marketers community. No direct employee reviews exist, but references in webinars highlight the theatre’s innovative approach.

Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, Chichester Festival Theatre UK scores 4.5 out of 5 from over 1,200 visitor reviews. Audiences rave about the quality of productions, the comfortable seating, and the excellent sightlines from the thrust stage. The Minerva Theatre is especially praised for its intimate atmosphere. Some negative reviews point to occasional ticketing glitches or high drink prices, but these are rare. The customer service team is commended for quick resolution of issues.

G2

G2 reviews are not typically used for theatres, but the theatre’s marketing team has shared feedback on its use of Mailchimp and Google Analytics integrations. Managers rate these tools highly for ease of use and reporting. The theatre is not a vendor on G2, but its operational insights appear in user-generated content about martech stacks in the non-profit sector.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews show an impressive 4.6 out of 5 with over 4,000 ratings. Visitors frequently mention the ‘magical experience’ and the ‘surprisingly intimate feel of a large theatre’. The restaurant and bars receive positive comments for quality and service. Wheelchair accessibility is noted as excellent. A small number of reviews criticise parking difficulties in central Chichester, but the theatre offers discounted parking partnerships.

LinkedIn Reputation

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for Chichester Festival Theatre UK’s employer brand. The company page has 25,000 followers, and employees often share behind-the-scenes content. Posts about job openings receive high engagement. The theatre is featured in several ‘Top Arts Employers’ lists. Recruitment is seen as competitive, with many applicants drawn by the prestige of the brand.

Why Organizations Choose Chichester Festival Theatre UK

Corporate partners and funding bodies choose Chichester Festival Theatre UK because of its unparalleled brand credibility, proven audience reach, and alignment with corporate social responsibility goals. Sponsoring a production offers national visibility and association with artistic excellence. Educational institutions value the theatre’s curriculum-linked workshops and teacher training. Local businesses benefit from the foot traffic and cultural cachet the theatre brings to the district. For donors, the theatre offers a tangible impact: every £1 donated leverages £3 in economic benefit for the region. The theatre’s robust governance and transparency make it a low-risk investment for foundations and trusts.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Chichester Festival Theatre UK using the following contact details:

Address: Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)1243 781312
Support Number: +44 (0)1243 781312 (option 2 for box office)
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)1243 784437 (technical)
Website:www.cft.org.uk

Official Social Media Presence

• Facebook: @ChichesterFestivalTheatre
• Twitter/X: @ChichesterFT
• Instagram: @chichestertheatre
• LinkedIn: /company/chichester-festival-theatre
• YouTube: /user/ChichesterFestivalTheatre

SEO FAQ Section

Chichester Festival Theatre UK is one of the UK’s flagship producing theatres, located in Chichester, West Sussex, known for exceptional live performances and community outreach.

Chichester Festival Theatre UK is situated in Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP, United Kingdom.

Chichester Festival Theatre UK opened in 1962 after a campaign led by Leslie Evershed-Martin.

Visit the careers page on the official Chichester Festival Theatre UK website to view current vacancies and apply online.

Chichester Festival Theatre UK stages plays, musicals, family shows, and experimental works across its two venues.

Yes, Chichester Festival Theatre UK runs extensive education and outreach programmes for schools, young people, and community groups.

Tickets can be purchased online via the Chichester Festival Theatre UK website, by phone, or at the box office.

Chichester Festival Theatre UK is fully accessible, with ramps, accessible seating, and hearing induction loops available.

Yes, Chichester Festival Theatre UK offers selected productions on its digital platform, Chichester Theatre On Screen.

As of 2025, the Artistic Director role is filled on an interim basis following Daniel Evans’ departure; the permanent appointment is pending.

Donations can be made through the Support Us page on the Chichester Festival Theatre UK website, with options for one-off gifts or regular giving.

The Minerva Theatre is a smaller, 290-seat studio space within the Chichester Festival Theatre UK complex, used for more intimate and experimental productions.

Yes, Chichester Festival Theatre UK has a large volunteer programme, including front-of-house stewards and administrative assistants.

Through free community performances, workshops, and targeted outreach, Chichester Festival Theatre UK engages over 25,000 participants annually.

The main Festival Theatre seats 1,200 people in a unique thrust-stage configuration designed for intimacy.

Yes, Chichester Festival Theatre UK offers venue hire for conferences, weddings, and corporate events, with catering available.

Yes, the theatre features a restaurant and bars serving pre-show meals and drinks, with menus created by an award-winning caterer.

The artistic team selects a mix of classic revivals, new writing, and popular musicals based on artistic vision, audience demand, and strategic goals.

Limited on-site parking is available, and the theatre offers discounted rates at nearby public car parks.

Chichester Festival Theatre UK has won multiple Olivier Awards, Tony Awards, and UK Theatre Awards for its productions and community work.

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