Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions will be updated as and when appropriate, and you should check this page from time to time to take notice of any changes we have made, as they are binding.

Tickets

All tickets and discounts are subject to availability. Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) reserves the right to introduce discounts, price changes, artist and performance alterations without prior notification. Discounts and offers apply to full price tickets only with a maximum of one discount per ticket. For full details of current ticket prices please visit individual event pages.

Please check carefully the date and time of your booking(s) as mistakes cannot be rectified at a later date.

The Management reserves the right to make any alterations to the advertised programme which may be rendered necessary by unavoidable cause.

Right of admission is reserved; if purchasing concessions or tickets which require identification we recommend that you bring relevant ID on the night of the performance.

CFT reserves the right to place restrictions on the number of tickets purchased and to enforce this if you purchase more tickets over multiple transactions.

CFT reserves the right to refuse to sell tickets to anyone they believe to be purchasing for the purposes of resale. Unless given express permission by CFT, tickets may not be resold or transferred for profit or commercial gain. To do so will render tickets void and the holder will be refused entry.

In order to book tickets online, you will need to click a box to confirm your acceptance of these terms and conditions of sale. If you don't accept these terms, you will not be able to order tickets from our website.

All completed orders will be confirmed by email to the email address given while booking. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please log in to your account and check that the booking appears under ‘Orders’ as expected, or call the Box Office on 01243 781312 to confirm. Please check your tickets immediately upon receipt, as we cannot guarantee that mistakes can be rectified at a later time.

For all performances, E-tickets will be sent by email. These do not have to be printed - you can show them on your smartphone for us to scan on entry. Please ensure the brightness is turned up for the scanners to read the QR code.

In order to reduce queueing and minimise contact, we are not offering the option to collect tickets from the Box Office. For customers without an email address, paper tickets will be sent by post.

Refunds, returns and exchanges

Tickets are non-refundable but may be exchanged for another performance of the same production (subject to availability), on condition that we receive the tickets at least 48 hours before the performance (7 days for group bookings). An exchange fee of £2 per ticket will be charged (free for Friends). Please note that it is not possible to exchange tickets for tickets being offered for resale (see below). Please telephone 01243 781312 or email [email protected] to arrange an exchange. Tickets must be returned to the Box Office before the exchange of tickets can take place.

For remaining productions in the Winter 2023/24 season in the Festival and Minerva Theatres (shows up to and including 3 March) we offer a refund protection service from Booking Protect so you can apply for a refund should you, or anyone in your party, be unable to attend the show due to adverse weather, injury, illness, burglary or fire at your residence, breakdown or relocation for work. Refund protection is non-refundable. Click here to read Booking Protect Terms and Conditions.

For Festival 2024 productions in the Festival and Minerva Theatres we offer a refund protection service from Secure My Booking so you can apply for a refund should you, or anyone in your party, be unable to attend the show due to adverse weather, injury, illness, burglary or fire at your residence, breakdown or relocation for work, travel delays due to breakdown or public transport breakdowns and strikes, plus much more. Refund protection is non-refundable. Secure My Booking terms and conditions of cover can be read here.

In the event that CFT or the relevant Third Party is unable to perform on the date(s) agreed because the performance in question is no longer available or viable, or is abandoned when less than half the performance has taken place, CFT will refund to you the face value of the tickets purchased (excluding any delivery charges, Booking Protect costs or ancillary expenditure incurred). Where a performance has been cancelled or abandoned when more than half of the performance has taken place CFT may, in its discretion (and provided any relevant Third Party agrees), refund to you the face value of the tickets purchased (excluding any delivery charges or ancillary expenditure incurred).

In the event that CFT is unable to perform or deliver a session or event on the date(s) agreed because an event is no longer available or must be abandoned, CFT will endeavour to reschedule the affected session(s), we will inform you of this as soon as possible. If you are unable to make the rescheduled date, or should rescheduling not be possible, we will issue a full refund for the event / session (excluding any delivery charges, Booking Protect costs or ancillary expenditure incurred). For these purposes an event or session shall not be treated as abandoned if it is discontinued after one half of the event or session has been completed.

In the event that CFT is unable to perform on the date(s) agreed because an outdoor performance is no longer available or not viable due to (but not limited to) adverse weather, we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible in order to offer a refund (excluding any delivery charges or ancillary expenditure incurred), exchange, or credit held at CFT for two years.

Refunds will only be paid to the person who purchased the tickets, and to the payment method originally used. We will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible using the details provided at the time of booking, or that we hold for you on our database. It is your responsibility to update us of any changes in contact details.

As the Management reserves the right to make any alterations to the advertised programme which may be rendered necessary by unavoidable cause, no refunds will be given in the event that a named performer is unable to appear.

Resales

If the production is sold out, we can accept tickets for resale. However we do not guarantee that tickets can be sold and CFT reserves the right to sell other seats before resales. If successful, we will arrange a refund for the face value of the ticket minus 10% handling charge. It is not possible to exchange other tickets for tickets being offered for resale.

Force Majeure

We will not be liable for any failure to perform, due to Events outside of our reasonable control (Force Majeure). Such events includes any act, Event, omission or accident beyond our reasonable control and includes such things as: terrorist attack, fire, flood or natural disaster, epidemics, impossibility of the use of means of public or private transport, or public or private telecommunications networks or the threat of any of these things. If we have to cancel a performance or abandon it part way through due to such events, our obligations to you are deemed to be suspended for the period that the Force Majeure Event continues.

We will use our reasonable endeavours to bring the Force Majeure Event to a close or to find a solution by which our obligations may be performed despite the Force Majeure Event.

Prologue

Prologue tickets can only be used by 16-30 year olds. When your ticket is scanned at the performance, you must show with a valid ID (one per Prologue ticket) as proof of age. We accept a valid passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate or a PASS-approved card. You can book up to two tickets (subject to availability), but every person in your group must be within the 16-30 age range on the date of the performance and must present suitable ID when presenting their ticket.

Prologue tickets are non-transferable, cannot be used by anyone outside of this age group and cannot be upgraded to full price or other concessionary tickets. We reserve the right to refuse admission if these tickets have been incorrectly purchased.

Friends

As part of the Friends membership, tickets may be exchanged for another performance of the same production, on condition that the tickets are returned to the Box Office at least 48 hours before the performance (subject to availability, no refunds are available) with no charge. Only in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Box Office Manager, will credit notes be issued.

Major Donors, Supporters and Patrons Circles and Festival Player Members

For ticket bookings during priority booking, Major Donors, Festival Players 500+ and 1000+, Supporters and Patrons Circles members should contact the Development Department in the first instance as per your designated account manager. Festival Player 250+ members should contact the Box Office on 01243 781312.

After priority booking, if you have queries about your tickets all supporters are encouraged to contact the Box Office on 01243 781312 in the first instance as they are able to respond more quickly.

Our ticketing policy varies between Festival Season productions and the Winter Season of touring productions:

  • Festival Season Tickets may be returned for account credit up to one week before a performance. After this time, account credit is subject to the successful resale of those returned tickets. If a successful resale is made, the amount can also be donated to Chichester Festival Theatre.
  • Tickets for Festival productions may be exchanged for another performance within the same Festival up to 48 hours* before a performance, subject to availability.
  • Tickets for Winter productions may be exchanged for another performance of the same production up to 48 hours* before a performance, subject to availability.

Priority booking:

  • The Development Department will notify Major Donors and Members of any applicable priority booking period ahead of time.
  • All tickets must be paid for in full before public booking commences. The Management reserves the right to release any tickets on reserve that have not been paid for by this time.

*Festival Players 1000+ can exchange up to 24 hours before the performance, subject to availability.

Delivery of tickets

For all events, E-tickets will be sent by email after purchase. If we have a mobile number for you, a text message will be sent to you on the day of the event (or the day before for some events) with a link to your tickets. These do not have to be printed - you can show them on your smartphone for us to scan on entry.

We do not currently offer the option to collect tickets from the Box Office. For customers without an email address, paper tickets can be sent by post.

Safety and enjoyment

Latecomers and those seeking re-admittance cannot be guaranteed access to the auditoria until a convenient break in the performance. Please note, due to the layout of the Minerva Theatre, this may not be until the interval.

Smoking inside the buildings is prohibited, as is taking of photographs and use of recording equipment.

Mobile devices must be on silent with vibrate disabled when inside the auditoria or switched off.

In accordance with our licence, it is not possible to transfer from a wheelchair to a Theatre seat, without the prior consent of the House Manager.

Due to the unique thrust stage in both auditoria, some of the side seating may not offer a full and unrestricted view of the performance - please contact the Box Office for confirmation.

We may film some performances to live-stream to a wider audience, or take photographs or record film for archive, publicity or marketing purposes. We will always place signage in the area if there is a photographer or filmmaker present. Buying a ticket affirms your consent to the filming, sound recording and/or photography of yourself as a member of the audience and its use in archive, publicity, marketing, live-streams and any subsequent broadcasts and/or publication.

Chichester Festival Theatre does not permit dogs into the Theatres or restaurant spaces, with the exception of assistance dogs. For shorter visits, fastening rings are provided outside alongside water bowls.

Chichester Festival Theatre cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to your personal property whilst at the venue.

Drinks are not permitted to be taken into the auditoria in glasses. Plastic cups are available from the bar for any cold drinks and may be taken in.

Any aggressive or abusive behaviour directed towards our staff will not be tolerated. We consider abusive language (whether verbal or written) including threats, personal verbal abuse, derogatory remarks, rudeness, inflammatory statements, remarks of a racial or discriminatory nature and unsubstantiated allegations to be abusive behaviour.

Children

We have a range of family friendly productions and events available through the year. Please check the show pages on the website or with our friendly Box Office team for recommended age guidance on productions. Unless a production is advertised as a family show, children under the age of four, including babes in arms, will not be admitted to the auditorium.

On family shows, all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by, and seated with, an adult. The advertised ticket prices and concessions will apply for children of the specified ages. Younger children can be admitted on the understanding that if they disturb others, they will watch the show from the screen outside of the auditorium with an adult from their party. However they will need an under 16 ticket. Babes in arms (babies from 0-18months) can be admitted to family shows free of charge as they will sit on the lap of the adult/s in their party but admittance is on the same understanding. If you need to move from your seats please ensure that any children remaining in the auditorium are always with an adult.

Security

We may conduct random bag searches on performance and non-performance days.

Large bags (measuring over 40cm x 30cm x 15cm) cannot be taken into the auditoria but may now be left in the cloakroom providing you allow a security search of the bag. If you do not permit a search to be undertaken, unfortunately we cannot admit you to the performance or event.

We hope these measures do not impact on the enjoyment of your visit.

Website

The copyright in the material contained in Chichester Festival Theatre's web site belongs to CFT except where it is stated otherwise. All rights are reserved by CFT. Except solely for your own personal and non-commercial use in accordance with the law, no part of this web site may be copied, performed, published, broadcast or adapted in any other medium without the prior written permission of CFT.

Chichester Festival Theatre’s website may contain links to websites operated by parties other than us. The operation of such websites is outside our control and you proceed at your own risk.

Memberships

Friends Membership

Duration and activation of Friends membership

Friends membership lasts for one year from the date of purchase. The price of membership will be quoted on our website and may be subject to change.

Memberships purchased online, over the phone or via the Box Office are live with immediate effect. Memberships purchased by Direct Debit are active within 24 hours of when the membership was purchased.

Membership correspondence will be communicated to you by email or second class post. Once processed and/or posted, we will assume that you have received your confirmation letter. Please contact the Friends Office if you have not received it within 14 days of your membership becoming active.

Membership use

Memberships are for personal use only and are not intended for businesses or transferable to another person.

Gift Aid

We cannot currently claim Gift Aid on any portion of the Friends membership fee.

Gift memberships

Friends membership can be purchased as a gift. Please purchase online, or contact the Friends Office if you would like more information.

Renewals

We will contact you in the month before your membership is due for renewal, detailing the expiry date of your current membership and any further actions you may need to take in order to renew your membership.

Direct Debits

Direct Debits are taken on the last working day of the month. All Chichester Festival Theatre memberships are annual. If you cancel your Direct Debit before paying your annual membership fee in full, Chichester Festival Theatre will return and refund any tickets purchased that had benefits associated with the membership applied to them. This includes those purchased within the membership’s priority booking period, and / or if they received membership-related discounts.

For membership renewals via Direct Debit, we will give you a minimum of 10 days’ notice of your next payment, including information on any price changes where applicable. If your Direct Debit payment is rejected or cancelled, we will contact you to arrange alternative payment.

Conditions of refunds of membership

If you change your mind about becoming a Friend, you may request a refund if you notify the Friends Office in writing within 14 days, provided you have not used any of the benefits associated with the membership, including priority booking and / or discounts. If you have accessed any of the benefits associated with the membership a refund will not be granted.

Further conditions

We reserve the right to amend the Terms and Conditions of the Friends membership at any time.

Festival Player Membership

Duration and activation of membership

Membership lasts for one year from the date of purchase.

Memberships purchased online, over the phone or via the Box Office are live with immediate effect. Memberships purchased by Direct Debit are active within 24 hours of when the membership was purchased.

Membership correspondence will be communicated to you by email or posted out second class post. Once processed and/or posted, we will assume that you have received your confirmation letter. Please contact the Development Department if you have not received it within 14 days of joining.

Membership use

Memberships are for personal use only and are not intended for businesses. Click here to read about our range of corporate partnership options.

Gift Aid and VAT

Festival Player membership fees are split between a benefit portion and a donation. The donation portion is a suggested amount to which Gift Aid provisions apply, but you may purchase the benefits separately if you prefer to not make a philanthropic donation. Alternatively, you may also choose to give the entire amount of your membership as a pure donation and with no complimentary benefits expected in return, in which case Chichester Festival Theatre would be able to claim Gift Aid on the entire amount, subject to the completion of a Gift Aid declaration.

Please note if you would like to make your donation via CAF or via a charitable foundation and take up benefits, payment must be made separately for the benefit portion of your membership.

The benefit portion of the fee represents the cost of the benefit and is inclusive of VAT. There is no VAT on the donation portion.

Gift memberships

All levels of Festival Player membership can be purchased as a gift. Please contact the Development Department if you would like more information. Gift Aid provisions will not apply to gift memberships.

Renewals

We will contact you approximately one month before your membership is due for renewal, detailing the expiry date of your current membership and any further actions you may need to take in order to renew your support.

If you choose to make your annual membership donation by Direct Debit, we will give you approximately 14 days’ notice of your next Direct Debit charge and automatically renew your support for 12 months and collect the monies, unless you notify us otherwise in writing before the date of renewal. If you pay in quarterly or monthly Direct Debit instalments, you will receive a breakdown of your payments schedule at the beginning of the year of membership. Likewise, this will be automatically renewed at the end of the membership year, with 14 days’ notice from us, unless you notify us otherwise in writing before the date of renewal. If your Direct Debit payment is rejected or cancelled we will contact you to arrange alternative payment.

Direct Debits

Direct Debits are taken on the last working day of the month. All Chichester Festival Theatre memberships are annual. If you cancel your Direct Debit before paying your annual membership fee in full, Chichester Festival Theatre will return and refund any tickets purchased that had benefits associated with the membership applied to them. This includes those purchased within the membership’s priority booking window, and / or if they received membership-related discounts.

For membership renewals via Direct Debit, we will give you a minimum of 10 days’ notice of your next payment, including information on any price changes, if applicable. If you pay your membership in monthly instalments we will provide you with a schedule of your payments for the next 12 months prior to your renewal date. If your Direct Debit payment is rejected or cancelled, we will contact you to arrange alternative payment.

Conditions of refunds of membership

If you change your mind about becoming a Festival Player, you may request a refund if you notify CFT in writing within 14 days, provided you have not used any of the benefits associated with the membership, including priority booking and / or discounts. If you have accessed any of the benefits associated with the membership a refund will not be granted.

Donations

Pure donations do not include any benefits. Please contact the Development Department if you have made a donation and would like to convert it into a membership.

Further conditions

We reserve the right to amend the Terms and Conditions of Festival Player memberships at any time. We will give Festival Player members 14 days’ notice of any changes to these Terms and Conditions.

Supporters and Patrons Circles Membership

For full terms and conditions in relation to Supporters and Patrons Circles membership please email [email protected].

Third Party events

On occasion Chichester Festival Theatre acts as a ticket agent to sell tickets on behalf of another company, organisation or promoter. Once purchased, tickets for third party events cannot be exchanged, returned or resold. Any enquiries relating to third party events should be directed to the relevant organisation.

Current third party events being sold by Chichester Festival Theatre:

Chichester Chamber Concerts

We share your name and telephone number with Chichester Chamber Concerts. If you book for an event that requires additional information sent in advance we may also share your email address. This data can only be used for them to contact you about a purchase you have made for one of their events, not for marketing purposes.

For Chichester Chamber Concerts contact details please click here.

Contact and complaints

If you need to contact Chichester Festival Theatre or wish to complain you can do so by using one of the following methods:

For Festival Players, Supporters and Patrons Circles and Major Donors:

[email protected]
01243 812911 (weekdays 10-6)

For Friends:

[email protected]

All other queries:

[email protected]

Alternative dispute resolution

If we are unable to settle any dispute by negotiation and you are not satisfied with our final response, you may attempt to settle it through Alternative Dispute Resolution and can contact The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). We are members of STAR and they provide a free and approved dispute resolution service for customers of STAR members.

You can reach STAR on 01904 234737,(10am-5pm Monday to Friday), or by email; [email protected].

If you’d prefer to write to them, their address is: Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers, Blake House, 18 Blake Street, York YO1 8QG