News Story

4 Stars
Immaculate. A polished gem that glories in its faithfulness
Guardian

Well, what a reaction we've had for the opening of The Sound of Music!

The summer musical is always a particularly enjoyable time in the CFT calendar - and this year is no exception. Rodgers & Hammerstein's iconic musical holds a special place for many, and now you can watch it live on stage until 3 September.

We've loved welcoming so many of you to CFT, hearing what you think and reading your posts, so a big thank you to all of you who've come (and those of you coming back to see it again!).

And now the critics have had their say too. You can read some of the reviews below as well as scrolling through some of the beautiful production pictures taken by Manuel Harlan (full gallery available to view here).

Simply outstanding. A wonderful production of The Sound of Music, beautifully directed by Adam Penford and so cleverly designed by Robert Jones. A production which both honours and reinvigorates the original.
Chichester Observer

Gina Beck as Maria and the 'von Trapp children' in The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre Image: Manuel Harlan 2023

4 Stars
Brilliant. Adam Penford’s production is achingly lovely to listen to
Telegraph

Janis Kelly centre as The Mother Abbess and the company of The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre Image: Manuel Harlan 2023

4 Stars
A brilliantly solid version of the old favourite, anchored by uniformly strong vocal performances and putting its emphasis firmly on the sound of music
The Stage

Utterly irresistible. If you see only one thing on the stage this summer – make sure it is The Sound of Music. A triumph
Sussex Newspapers

4 Stars
Gina Beck’s Maria has a voice that is as clear and pure as fresh Alpine air and she’s bundles of fun too
The i Newspaper

Everything, but everything about this show is joyous and heartwarming. Astounding, astonishing, brilliant, breathtaking. West End-worthy. Transfer it.
Portsmouth News

Members of The Sound of Music company are dressed in elegant party clothes dancing a waltz in couples, they are holding hands with their right arm raised in the air. Behind them we can see the backdrop of the mountain, the night sky and on the ground is a grand doorway, some balcony stone walls and some flame lit torch lamps. — The company of The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre Image: Manuel Harlan 2023

5 Stars
In short, buy a ticket before it sells out. And take plenty of tissues
Sardines Magazine

4 Stars
Gina Beck is a glorious Maria
Libby Purves for TheatreCat

4 Stars
An evening of absolute delight. Beck is quite simply the sound of musical magnificence. Audiences will not be disappointed
Jonathan Baz Reviews

4 Stars
Irresistible. Adam Penford’s captivating new production at Chichester simultaneously celebrates that popular vision of this beloved property while also throwing up a few surprises of its own.
Fairy Powered

Mother Abbess (Janis Kelly) is dressed in ceremonial white robes on top of her habit, her hands together in front of her, she is looking up to the sky and signing. The other Sister's are gathered behind her also singing and we can see a round decorative window in the grey stone walls with light shining through. — Janis Kelly centre as Mother Abbess and the company of The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre Image: Manuel Harlan 2023

4 Stars
A West End quality, classic musical which ticks all the boxes and that will, hopefully, follow its predecessors around the country and into the heart of London’s West End
Box Office Radio

And it's not just the critics, here's what you've been saying over on our socials...

Stunning first preview for The Sound of Music at @ChichesterFT Can’t even begin to explain how beautiful the set and cast are. Looking forward to watching the show “Bloom and grow” over the summer and become one of my favourite things 😍
@I'veboughtticket on Twitter

How does @chichesterFT manage to seemingly better the previous summer musical every year?! #TheSoundOfMusic is an extraordinary production and totally won me over!👍🏻
@Statsmanuk on Twitter

Saw it this evening, yet another Chichester Festival Theatre show destined for the West End. It's brilliant, watch it now here in Chichester whilst the seats are still affordable
Kate Howlett on Facebook