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By Nikolai GogolA new adaptation by Phil Porter The Government Inspector Message
Kathy Bourne and Justin Audibert Photograph by Peter FludeIt’s a great pleasure to welcome you to the opening production of Festival 2025: the world premiere of Phil Porter’s new adaptation of Gogol’s The Government Inspector. In a world which seems characterised by rapid change and bewildering events, a sense of lives and society in flux is central to many of our dramas this season; and with this wonderful comedy, we have mistaken identity, high stakes, corruption, and a fabulously vivid range of characters from social climbers to wastrels and libertines.We are delighted that Gregory Doran is making his directorial debut at Chichester – his first production since stepping down from the RSC where he was Artistic Director from 2012 – 2022. Greg has assembled a superb company, led by actor and comedian Tom Rosenthal, alongside an outstanding creative team: among them, designer Francis O’Connor, who reveals the development of his ingenious and beautiful design in this programme.The Government Inspector was Nikolai Gogol’s first play. A fascinating character whose chequered career and premature death didn’t lessen his enduring influence on world drama, he was also Ukrainian. The moving testimony of Professor Nataliya Torkut, Head of the Ukrainian Shakespeare Centre in Zaporizhzhia, demonstrates how powerful and important a figure Gogol remains today in the country of his birth.The Minerva Theatre season will open shortly with another world premiere, the new musical version of Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry with songs by Passenger. Following The Government Inspector into the Festival Theatre is the immortal Anna Karenina; read more about it overleaf, as well as our spectacular summer centrepiece, Top Hat.We very much hope you’ll be able to join us again soon, and that you enjoy today’s performance.Justin AudibertArtistic DirectorKathy BourneExecutive Director
Following The Government Inspector into the Festival Theatre is Tolstoy’s masterpiece Anna Karenina, in a new adaptation by director Phillip Breen.The novel’s enduring fascination has seen it adapted for film and television, ballet and even figure skating. The Festival Theatre stage feels perfect for the vast scale of Tolstoy’s epic and immortal story, which pivots around the invention of the railways which enable his vivid characters to cross Russia’s vast landscapes. Justin Audibert, CFT’s Artistic Director, says: ‘Phillip Breen’s adaptation brilliantly captures the sense of seeing the world through Anna’s eyes, while empathising with all the characters including Vronsky and Karenin. These are people in turmoil, dealing with the messiness of life; it’s unashamedly raw and emotional. ‘Stage and screen star Natalie Dormer was surely born to play this role, leading an outstanding cast.’Anna KareninaFestival Theatre7 – 28 JuneAll happy families are alike. Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
Filling the stage with wit, glamour and swing is the hallmark of classic American musicals, and our summer centrepiece Top Hat will do that in spades. Garlanded with some of Hollywood’s greatest golden-age songs, this wonderful romantic comedy is based on the classic 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film, which originally came out during the Depression when people longed to be transported away from the grim realities of everyday life.Justin Audibert observes, ‘There’s something wonderful about the technical, jaw-dropping brilliance of huge ensemble tap dancing numbers, and Kathleen Marshall is a brilliant director-choreographer who will deliver those in style. Add those glorious Irving Berlin standards, and you should find it impossible to leave the auditorium without a smile on your face. ‘An absolute tonic.’Top HatFestival Theatre14 July – 6 SeptemberThere may be trouble ahead,But while there’s moonlight, and music, And love, and romance…Let’s face the music and dance.
‘The participants work towards an informal sharing in the final week of term. These are deliberately not called shows or performances; they are work-in-progress, celebratory opportunities for participants to invite their friends, family and CFT staff to see what they’ve been working on and experience their joyful, friendly dynamic. ‘Whilst the creative activities are what attracts participants to the sessions, it’s often the social connections that keep them coming back term after term. You’ll find them having a coffee and a natter before or after their sessions (sometimes both!).’ Creativity and community go hand in hand in everything we do at CFT. Get Into It brings people together from all walks of life to benefit from the joy of creative experiences.Get InAlongside the renowned productions onstage, Chichester Festival Theatre offers a range of opportunities to participate in creative activities and experience the wealth of wellbeing benefits this provides: from embracing creativity and imagination to boosting confidence and enhancing social skills. Get Into It is open to anyone over the age of 18 who’d like to try a creative activity in a supportive, relaxed environment; you don’t need any experience. It’s led by Louise Rigglesford, who’s been shaping the Community strand of our Learning, Education and Participation programme for 10 years. ‘The project was named Get Into It and brought together under one umbrella in 2018,’ she says. ‘The ethos behind the name is that no matter what your experience or background, you can step in on day one and get stuck in. ‘Some participants have never explored performing arts before or maybe haven’t engaged creatively since school. On the other hand, some have even performed professionally but want to come along and take part in a relaxed, social environment. All our community work is about engaging with people that might not otherwise have thought theatre is for them. ‘There are sessions for singing, dancing and acting at CFT every Monday across four ten-week terms a year. The sessions are led by theatre professionals who typically stay for at least a year so they form a really meaningful connection with the group. It’s also exciting when new practitioners come on board and bring their unique experience to the project.
‘I was intrigued when I noticed that there was a daytime acting class for adults. I first joined in 2009 and have remained involved since. I’m developing acting and devising skills and learning the underpinning theories, in a safe, encouraging, and inclusive environment. Get Into It classes bring out the best in the participants wherever they are in their theatre journey.’Julie, Get Acting participant‘I took part in an improvisation workshop at CFT and I wanted more. It’s great to find a place where you can let your hair down and enjoy taking part in creative activities with like-minded people. I’ve learned about theatre and storytelling, met some fantastic people, and Get Into It is an absolute godsend for stress-busting!’Steve, Get Acting participant‘I have never considered myself as a singer, but thanks to the patient teaching, I have gained greater confidence in my ability to sing and now feel I have more control over my voice. I can now sing ‘loud and proud’ or ‘bad and bold’! I have met some really lovely people and made some new friends. We have great fun singing together on Monday mornings.’Ken, Get Singing participantt Into it!
Our ethosDelicious dishes are only as good as their component parts and community is a key factor for Caper & Berry and CFT. We believe that working with fantastic local producers has huge benefits to local communities and creates better environments. ProvenanceCommunitySustainabilityCreating exceptional food to enhance your Festival experienceIn our larderFresh ingredients have been at the centre of Caper & Berry’s ethos since 2004:Ultra Sustainable Suppliers - Tempus Cured Meats- Charlie’s Smokehouse- Cadd Oxshott PizzaChef’s Farms- Slade Farm Asparagus- Secretts Farm Leaves- Surrey WatercressDiscover moreCreating vibrant food to enhance your Festival experienceFresh ingredients have always been at the centre of our ethos; delicious dishes are only as good as their component parts.We’re making a conscious effort to have a positive impact on our surroundings at every stage of our process.Discover morecft.org.uk/dining
By Nikolai GogolA new adaptation by Phil Porter The Government Inspector