Join cast members from our Festival 2026 shows as they table read brand-new scripts for the first time.

Get a glimpse behind the creative process and be the first to hear these new plays out loud brought to life by the talented casts of our Festival productions.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/first-read-fridays

A funny, touching tale about how a pesky street rat finds 'home sweet home'. Longing to become someone’s pet, rat considers his friend’s homes, but none are quite the right fit. All he really wants is a kindly owner, a name, and no baths... He’s even willing to wear a jumper – at a push!

‘Sometimes when I am tucked into my crisp packet, I look up at all the cosy windows and wonder what it would be like to live with creature comforts. To belong to somebody. To be an actual pet.’

Based on the award-winning picture book written and illustrated by former Children's Laureate, Lauren Child, this much-loved story has been reimagined for the stage and will be performed in our new theatre space, The Nest, prior to a tour of local schools and libraries.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/that-pesky-rat-2026

International cabaret siren Amber Topaz brings you a brand new, classy, sassy, fabulous musical revue, celebrating redheaded musical theatre stars of stage and screen.

A delicious cocktail of Old Hollywood glamour, West End and Broadway classics.
Full to the brim with iconic show-stopping numbers, honouring these formidable flamehaired trailblazers that have shaped musical theatre herstory.

From the golden era of Hollywood to the bright lights of Vegas. Embodying legendary artists such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Shirley MacLaine, Gwen Verdon and many more.

Choreographed and Directed by Nikki Woollaston (Old Friends Associate Director,
West End and Broadway, Les Miserables Resident Director Worldwide Arena Tour).

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/red

Come for the music, stay for the existential crisis as genre-blurring jester and cellist Karen Hall peels back the layers of formality leaving you with only the humanity and insanity of the artist behind the instrument. And yourself.

Featuring Suite Number One in G Major by JS Bach and personal comedic pieces crafted in Idiot classes, Karen fuses in a healthy dose of pathos tackling identity, expectations, and success through the eyes of a fool.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/delusions-and-grandeur

Her and Grandpa were different and definitely not the same. In her final year of school, Grandpa faces a devastating diagnosis and makes one request:

To go home.

But he doesn’t mean his semi-detached down the road and she knows he can’t go alone.

By turns unexpected and fantastical, the pair soon find themselves journeying into the heart of Albania. As Grandpa begins to reveal the truth about his life before England, she must now find a way to say goodbye to the grandfather she only just got the chance to know.

Inspired by true events, the multi-award nominated In the Land of Eagles takes us on an epic journey of heritage across borders, through a country that is too often misunderstood. A story about the lengths we go to, to make amends for the mistakes of our past.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/in-the-land-of-eagles

Daniel was determined to handle his big breakup with the grace of Julia Roberts. He didn’t. Join him as he navigates dating in your 30s, Le Creuset addiction and 12-step skincare routines, all while trying very hard to emanate love and light.

Described by Rolling Stone as ‘utterly hilarious and effortlessly charismatic’, award-winning stand-up Daniel Foxx is best known for his viral comedy videos, which are enjoyed by millions of women and gays online.

His critically-acclaimed debut show Villain toured internationally, including a sell-out run at New York’s SoHo Playhouse and London's legendary Clapham Grand. He co-hosts the podcast Welcome To Hell with fellow comic Dane Buckley, which debuted in Apple and Spotify's Top 10 comedy charts, and he is the author of the hit book Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/daniel-foxx-how-lovely

Who doesn’t love to cringe at an embarrassing story?! Enter DJ Funky Steve and his embarrassing story disco! Join Jenna as Funky Steve for a night of crazy comedy cringe as she spins real recorded tales of falls, toilet mishaps and excruciating intimate disasters. Each story is remixed into musical numbers, interpretive dance and Shakespeare sonnets (sort of). Prepared for a raucous, joyful celebration of our most mortifying moments, and celebrate the joy of being human!

Jenna has spent two years gathering true embarrassing stories from people all across the UK. In this show she retells these stories, via the character of DJ Funky Steve, using a combination of dance, song, recorded delivery, storytelling, and comedy sketches to create a brilliantly fun evening of laughter, entertainment and cringe.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/cringe

An origin story set before her infamous partnership with Sweeney Todd, we discover what would later lead her to turn pie-maker. Here, the newly-widowed Mrs Lovett needs to find a way to survive. Using skills learned from a whaler father, a courtesan mother and a butcher husband, Eleanor 'recalibrates' her life - and her relationship with God.

You may think you already know Mrs Lovett, but this new play explores what made her: the brutal choices and disappointments of a life in poverty. When the difference is life or death, morality becomes a moveable feast - and Eleanor is getting hungry...

BoonDog Theatre is a multi award-winning collaborative theatre company based in the Midlands, creating exciting new dark comic stories for the stage. They are Associate Artists of the Royal and Derngate, Northampton.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/lovett

Join us for Comedy at The Nest this October!

Andy Field is known and loved by his peers and audiences alike for his silly style and refreshing approach to traditional stand-up. The lead writer and star of his own BBC Radio 1 sketch series, The Andy Field Experience, with TV appearances including Stand Up For Live Comedy, As Yet Untitled, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Pie and a Pint. Recently, Andy has become a viral sensation with his A-Z whiteboard sketches on social media.

Originally based in Toronto, Michelle Shaughnessy quickly made a name for herself across North America. Her debut album You Know What You Did hit number 1 on iTunes comedy charts, and her acting has featured on Hulu, Netflix and Amazon. Now based in London, Michelle’s comedy is both self-deprecating and sassy. 'Star quality' - The List

Fred Barber is a stand-up comedian and writer, whose themes encompass dyspraxia, addiction and social alienation, told through sharp observations and surreal humour. Fred has written for Channel 4, BBC 3, YouTube Premium and recently for The Big Narstie Show.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/comedy-at-the-nest-october

Calling all local artists, performers and curious creatives, this is your invite to take the mic at The Nest!

Try It Out is an open, welcoming evening where artists of all disciplines can share up to five minutes of work-in-progress.

Whether it’s a brand-new poem, a stand-up idea, a song, a dance piece or something totally unexpected, this is your invitation to try it out. Seasoned performer or first timer, this is a space for testing, sharing, and connecting in a relaxed, supportive environment.

No pressure. No polish needed. Just creativity and a good time.

Want to perform? Just turn up on the night and sign up on arrival.

Want to watch? Come along, grab a seat, and discover an evening full of bold new voices and exciting ideas.

www.cft.org.uk/events/open-mic-night-at-the-nest

Join us for a special evening celebrating culture, friendship, and vibrant musical connection with Musa Mboob & Xam Xam for an unforgettable night filled with melodic and rhythmic vibes.

Gambian master percussionist and lead vocalist Musa delivers an electrifying fusion of Afro-Manding music and traditional West African rhythms, deeply rooted in the rich cultures of The Gambia AKA Smiling Coast of Africa. Blending traditional instruments with modern electronic guitars, his sound creates a powerful musical journey across Africa, connecting heritage with the evolving spirit of the 21st-century diaspora.

Renowned for his dynamic stage presence and artistic innovation, Musa has earned a reputation as both a true entertainer and a master of his craft. Mentored by the pioneering Gambian Afro-Manding group Ifang Bondi Band, he continues to shape a distinctive musical voice, sharing stories through melodies grounded in ancestral tradition while embracing contemporary influences.

Come ready to be transported on a joyful musical journey - a dance-floor-filling celebration of rhythm, unity, and pure love.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/musa-mboob-xam-xam

It's Elton John versus The Sun! World's biggest star battles world's toughest tabloid in epic eighties clash!

When the soaraway Sun newspaper falsely accuses Elton John, 39, of bonking rent boys, the Rocketman blasts off a whopping multi-million lawsuit…

But fuming editor, Kelvin Mackenzie, 40, is unrepentant, and launches a blistering campaign of media harassment...

At the end will Elton still be standing? Or will the Sun go down on him?

Based on the true story of Britain’s largest-ever libel case, it features Ferraris, punch-ups, gangsters, bugged phone calls, Princess Diana, the Vice Squad and some Devil Dogs...

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/monstering-the-rocketman

We are born of the stars.

Really think about that.

Try to remember that the next time you’re filling out your tax return.

You’re invited to Richard’s memorial. Richard is dead, after all. He’s gone. But his friend wasn’t invited to the funeral. And he can’t let go because something happened. Something he needs to lay to rest. This is his chance.

Little Animals is the story of a life-long friendship, set in a culture that can’t stop consuming. As Richard’s climate concern grows more extreme, and his friend struggles with mortgages, parenthood and the stresses of modern living, a wedge is driven between them. Because we can’t all sit around growing f**king tomatoes. Can we?

A frank, funny and inventive one-man show, written and performed by Paul Ready (National Theatre, Motherland, Ann Droid) and directed by Caroline Steinbeis (Shakespeare's Globe, Sheffield Crucible) about what we’ve lost, the stories we tell ourselves, and the ever-present chance to write a new one.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/little-animals

Terry Wogan is back from the dead as part of his ongoing attempts to return to light entertainment, no matter the cost. Featuring interviews with 'real' celebrities and accompanied by a live band. Previous guests include: George Lucas, Ray Parker Jr, Anthony Hopkins, Liza Minnelli, Tim Henman, Scarlett Johansson and several different Michael Caines.

Every night one lucky member of the audience will give Terry £5,000. Terry Wogan is a recipient of a KBE / dead.

Featuring Benjamin Alborough as Terry Wogan and a cast of thousands (approx).

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/late-night-with-terry-wogan

Be part of bold new theatre at The Nest!

Join us for a night of scratch performances from our brilliant Future Theatre Makers who will be testing out new ideas, scenes and stories. These are works-in-progress, and your reactions, thoughts and feedback could help take them to the next stage.

Expect a lively, informal night of theatre that's rough around the edges but full of heart.

Come curious. Stay for the conversation.

www.cft.org.uk/events/under-construction-2

One woman, a radio, and the largest earthquake in US History.

Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. A part-time radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Live on air, Genie Chance must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from chaos. But as temperatures plummet and news of an even greater threat reaches the relief effort, Genie must decide how much she really owes her listening audience?

Based on the incredible true story of the Great Alaskan Earthquake, Down to Chance is a heartwarming portrait of a community in crisis with the whole world listening in.

After selling out the Edinburgh Fringe and thrilling London audiences at The Pleasance Theatre this spring, this 5-star, ‘deftly staged thriller’ (The Stage) lands at The Nest this autumn.

Maybe You Like It's madcap new show promises frenetic action, frantic multi-roling, and immersive live sound in this ‘love letter to the golden age of radio’ (The Scotsman).

Maybe You Like It create collaborative, high-energy stage shows, audio shows and podcasts that entertain and engage audiences with accessible, comedic work. Our shows are story-driven, told in a fluid-filmic style, built on 'imagination, wit and a mountain of metatheatrical humour' (The Scotsman). Maybe You Like It are Pleasance Associate Artists 2025-2027.

Down to Chance was developed with support from Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Pleasance for The Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/down-to-chance

Grab a drink and chill in The Nest to the sounds of some of the UKs best emerging musicians as they perform original tracks at our new Acoustic Sessions events. Curated by Acute Sound this evening promises to be a thrill for all music lovers.

Ollie Hutton
Ollie Hutton who also goes by his artist name Fauntleroy, is a well versed multi-instrumentalist who draws from 80s/90s synth inspired alt rock to create his own unique sound and catchy melodies. He has performed at numerous locations and venues whether it’s performing covers or his own original music.

Ollie also released music at the start of this year, the song Tomboy is a simple and expressive pop rock song that uses synth, and an intricate bass and drum pattern to give it a driving edge. Ollie’s lyrics and vocal style is unique, but also a call back to what you would from singers such as Brandon Flowers and David Bowie.

Lily Nicole
Lily Nicole’s original music is full of heartfelt, heart break and full of acoustic originality. Her music tells stories in ballad style of her past with a piano/guitar. Her songs are also to be shown with everyone for their own interpretation, but stems from raw emotion.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/acoustic-sessions-october

‘There’s a monster in the garden and it’s going to eat me.’

Bernard’s got a problem. There’s a monster in the garden… but his mum and dad are too busy to notice. So Bernard does what any sensible child would do — he tries to befriend it. That doesn’t quite go to plan.

A wildly funny, physical theatre adaptation of David McKee’s much-loved picture book, bursting with chaos, live music made from instruments and household objects, and an ENORMOUS purple monster.

This is a story about being heard, getting noticed, and what happens when grown-ups are just too busy — told with comedy, imagination, and plenty of mischief.

With integrated Makaton, this accessible production is suitable for everyone aged 3+.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/not-now-bernard

Join us for a tale that will warm hearts, spark imaginations, and leave your little ones singing all the way home.

Step into a twinkling, snow-dusted world with Red Robin’s Winter Song – a gentle and joy-filled winter play perfect for young children and their families.

From award-winning writer Manjeet Mann this enchanting story follows one small but brave Red Robin who chooses to stay behind as the other woodland animals prepare for winter. While the forest falls silent and snow begins to fall, Red Robin hears a mysterious song on the wind—one that leads to new friendships, unexpected discoveries, and a special place to call home.

Brought to life by Tutti Frutti Productions, this story is full of wonder and adventure. With beautiful songs, fun-filled wintery moments, and cosy storytelling, Red Robin’s Winter Song is a celebration of friendship, courage, adapting to change and ultimately, finding where you belong.

Touring autumn 2026, this delightful production is designed for children aged 3+ and their families.

About the writer: Manjeet spent two years as an Associate Artist at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Soho Writers Lab and Quarterhouse Theatre in Folkestone. Her plays have toured nationally to critical acclaim. Most recently her stage adaptation of her debut novel Run, Rebel won best production at the 2025 Off West End Theatre Awards. Other plays include, Flying Solo and A Dangerous Woman. Manjeet is also a multi-award-winning author of novels and picture books for young children.

www.cft.org.uk/events/red-robins-winter-song

Farnham Maltings is proud to present a bold new adaptation of The Tailor of Gloucester inspired by the tale by Beatrix Potter, written by Alex Kanefsky (Cable Street) and featuring an electrifying original score by double Olivier Award winner Darren Clark (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).

In a town being drained of colour, a struggling tailor and a trio of sharp, ambitious mice finally find themselves on the brink of success. Fame and fortune await but to what consequence for their friends and neighbours?

Packed with live music that blends rock and pop, inventive puppetry, jokes, mischief and surprises, a cast of four spin this classic story into something fresh, funny and full of heart.

A fast, funny and big-hearted show about courage, community and the power of doing good - even when no one’s watching! Perfect for all generations to enjoy together.

Recommended for ages 5+ and their families.

www.cft.org.uk/events/the-tailor-of-gloucester

A table, a survivor, a story of transformation. The Dandelion Child is Luke Brown's honest, unexpected and gutting account of growing up in a house where violence was normalised, love was rationed, and nurturing was in short supply.

Through words, movement and puppetry, part fact, part fantasy, the work traces an evolution from childhood to adulthood: how a person can find their roots like a dandelion finding its way through concrete, tenacious enough to reach for the light, needing no one's permission to grow.

Devised collaboratively with choreographer and director Ben Wright, The Dandelion Child is Luke's most intimate work to date.

Come sit with him.

www.cft.org.uk/events/dandelion-child

Join us for Comedy at The Nest!

Harriet Dyer is a chaotic whirlwind of hilarity! Her comedic chops have won her The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award (2024), as well as TV appearances including 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live At The Apollo, Rosie Jones’ Disability Comedy Extravaganza, Comedy Central Live and The Russell Howard Hour. She also wrote and starred in Meet The Richardsons. Strap yourselves in for a wild ride!

Jamie D’Souza’s stand-up comedy has been described as a mix of short stories and one liners, delivered with an instant likeability and an understated confidence. So You Think You’re Funny? and The Musical Comedy Awards finalist, shortlisted for BBC New Comedy Award, writer on Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Louie Mclean is known for his low-energy, deadpan humour, which has won him multiple competitions including Big Belly’s, The Blackout’s and The Comedy Store’s gong shows as well as West End New Act finalist 2023.

www.cft.org.uk/events/comedy-at-the-nest-november-2

Contemporary music magazine PRXLUDES presents a night of music, conversations and gatherings, celebrating today’s most cutting-edge composers.

Part live gig, part conversation, part social gathering: PRX.LIVE is a platform to gather people, share adventurous contemporary music, and start conversations about art, music and the world in which we’re creating it.

Trailblazing ensemble Standard Issue premiere a new commission by rising-star composer Rebecca Galian Castello, alongside genre-defying works by today’s most cutting-edge early-career composers and live interviews from PRXLUDES hosts.

Hosted by PRXLUDES in partnership with ensemble Standard Issue and producers Stomping Ground.

PRX.LIVE and Rebecca Galian Castello’s commission are generously supported by The Hinrichsen Foundation’s Multi-Year Partnership and additionally supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

www.cft.org.uk/events/prx-live

Alex McAleer isn’t psychic or supernatural, but he has an uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audience’s minds and read their thoughts at will.

After more than a decade wowing audiences across the UK and North America, including touring the USA with Champions of Magic, sold-out solo shows, West End appearances, and TV spots on Blue Peter and Good Morning Britain, he has built a reputation as one of the most entertaining and charismatic mentalists working today.

In this unforgettable live show, Alex blends laugh-out-loud humour with jaw-dropping psychological feats, turning the audience into the stars of the evening.

Smart, playful, and astonishing - don’t miss your chance to see Alex McAleer live.

www.cft.org.uk/events/alex-mcaleer-mind-reader

It’s 1993, Mum won’t let Alice go to Funderland because Belfast is burning.

‘How about Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Chinese chicken balls instead?’

Fast forward to 2023, where Alice meets Tim, finally falling in love but can she escape the legacy of a childhood shaped by conflict or is this the moment everything unravels?

Troubled is an extraordinary tale of love, loss and human connection - told with tea and biscuits.

Blending storytelling, projection, and audience interaction, Troubled reckons with the past, offering us renewed hope for the future.

Finalist for the 2025 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award in partnership with The Scotsman.

www.cft.org.uk/events/troubled

Ryan Young is a Scottish fiddle player working within the traditional music of Scotland. His playing is noted for its distinctive tone and phrasing, with an approach that places melody and expression at the centre of the music.

He first came to wider attention with his debut album, produced by four-time Grammy winner Jesse Lewis (Béla Fleck, Yo-Yo Ma), establishing the foundations of a career that has since developed an international reach. He has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, and is recognised for a style that draws on both Scottish and Irish traditions.

Ryan is a multi-award-winning artist and has received multiple nominations at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, including back-to-back nominations in recent years and most recently for Musician of the Year in 2025. He has also been a finalist in both the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

His recordings have received consistent critical attention, with The Scotsman awarding five-star reviews across his work. In live performance, he has been described as “a force of nature.”

Young’s third studio album, due for release in May 2026, is produced by and features Martin Hayes. Recorded with engineer Patrick Phillips (The Gloaming, Peter Gabriel), the album includes contributions from Stuart McCallum (The Breath, Cinematic Orchestra) and Louis Campbell (Sam Lee, Sam Sweeney).

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/ryan-young

"Songs aren’t just about love or breakups. They’re about desire. Gambling. Shouting. Being skint. Frustration. Love too. They’re about us. Me and her. This is our language, our way of consistently telling each other: It’s alright mate I’ve got you! I get it!"

The Credit Crunch, 2007. ‘Irish Twins’ Sarah and Jamie are growing up in Belfast with a shared obsession of music and the weight of parents on the breadline. Pop, rock and punk rails against austerity Britain and an ever-failing Tory-government, giving these siblings an epic score to navigate lives that are destined for different paths.

Oasis, The Jam, Springsteen and Sam Fender songs scream at the state of the nation, tugging at the memories of what it means to grow up on benefits in a country where poverty became a punchline. Benefits Britain never sounded so good…

A defiant “rip-roaring tour de force” fuelled by the music and people who speak to your soul and punch you in the gut. The multi-award-winning gig-theatre show Anthem For Dissatisfaction rejoices in working class strength with wit, integrity and disarming honesty.

www.cft.org.uk/events/anthem-for-dissatisfaction

Festive frolics and seasonal surprises from West End and international cabaret artistes.

Back by popular demand, Cabaret Nostalgique returns with a brand new show, specially created for The Nest.

Direct from their West End residency, award-winning duo Robert Hazle and Helena Northcote (West End LIVE) join the ‘dandy prince of cabaret’ himself, international cabaret star Joe Morose (Chat Noir, Noël Coward LATE) for an evening celebrating the iconic ghosts of Christmases past, present and future, with their own unique cabaret twist.

Music and merriment to get you into the festive spirit from the creators of sell-out CFT shows Legends Of The Limelight and Cabaret Noir.

www.cft.org.uk/events/twas-the-cabaret-before-christmas

The country's funniest improvisers are back in Chichester by popular demand... There aren’t many comedy shows that ask you what you want to see next… And no matter what you come up with The Noise Next Door will transform it into something hilarious.

The Noise Next Door are award-winning, twelve-time sell-out legends of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and have blown audiences away on BBC One, ITV1, Comedy Central, and in comedy clubs and theatres all over the world. Don’t miss your chance to see them live.

thenest.cft.org.uk/events/improvised-comedy-live-in-chichester

Looking for the perfect festive outing this holiday season?

Step into the Christmas spirit with the classic 1951 film Scrooge, starring the legendary Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, in a magical new way.

This beloved Christmas tale of redemption and goodwill comes alive with the enchanting sounds of a newly orchestrated live score, performed by the three-piece FB Pocket Orchestra. Their reimagined music, atmospheric sound effects, and seamless synchronisation with the film will immerse you in Scrooge’s journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

Perfect for families, holiday date nights, or a festive gathering with friends, this heart-warming event combines the magic of a Christmas classic with the joy of live music. Experience the true spirit of Christmas through the power of cinema and sound.

Don’t miss out - book your tickets now and make this Christmas extra special!

www.cft.org.uk/events/scrooge-live-to-film