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 rat 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 will be reimagined for the stage by a brand-new company made of Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s (CFYT) alumni – and will form part of the CFYT at 40 celebrations. Launching in a new theatre space, The Nest - powered by CFT, prior to a tour of local schools and libraries. 

Tickets for this family friendly show are free – but must be booked in advance. 

About the book
That Pesky Rat gently explores themes of homelessness and belonging and encourages young children to empathise with others. Editions of this book, published by Hachette Children’s Books, have supported the work of the homeless charity St Mungo’s for over 20 years and highlighted the plight of street children worldwide through Lauren Child's work as a Unesco Artist for Peace.  

While you're here
Enjoy our Families area next to the welcoming Café on the Park (in the Festival Theatre) where children can discover toys, colouring-in, chalkboards, fancy dress and books in our nooks. It's open Monday to Saturday from 9am.

Future life
We're delighted that this new show will go on a tour of West Sussex County Council libraries, community centres, SEN and primary schools. 

You can catch it at your local library from 1 -13 September: 

HurstpierPoint - 1 Sep, 9.30am
Rustington - 1 Sep, 3pm
Chichester - 2 Sep, 10.30am & 12.30pm
Bognor - 3 Sep, 10.30am 
Littlehampton 3 Sep, 2.30pm 
Horsham - 4 Sep, 12pm 
Crawley - 4 Sep, 3.45pm 
Midhurst - 5 Sep, 10.30am 
Billingshurst - 5 Sep, 2.30pm
Lancing - 6 Sep, 1.30pm 
Haywards Heath - 13 Sep, 11am 

The schools tour of That Pesky Rat is supported by CultureSpark.