The new Festival 2025 season has been announced at the West Sussex venue, packed with star-studded musicals and dramas which are perfect for a group visit.
Filling the stage with elegance, glamour and swing, this year’s eagerly anticipated summer centrepiece will be Irving Berlin’s classic tap extravaganza Top Hat. The musical equivalent of a finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating! – is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes.
It also boasts some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
What’s the Top Hat story?
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth.
Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.
This new production will be directed and choreographed by multi Tony and Olivier Award-winner Kathleen Marshall, whose recent production of Anything Goes wowed audiences and critics in London and on TV. It runs at the Festival Theatre from 14th July until 6th September.
But there’s more next door
The Minerva Theatre is adjacent to the CFT and its season opens with The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi million-selling novel, featuring irresistible modern folk songs by the chart-topping indie musician, Passenger (Let Her Go). Funny, moving and uplifting, it will star Mark Addy (The Full Monty) and Jenna Russell (Hello, Dolly!), directed by Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes), running from 5th May to 14th June.
For fans of classic drama, check out screen and stage star Natalie Dormer in the passionate masterpiece Anna Karenina (7th to 28th June), comedian Tom Rosenthal in the hilarious 19th century comedy The Government Inspector (25th April – 24th May), and much more besides.
Groups of 8+ receive generous discounts, a four week reservation period and special offers on food and drink.
GTOs can phone the dedicated booking line on 01243 812909, email groups@cft.org.uk, or visit www.cft.org.uk for full details including parking.
