Music & Lyrics by Theo Jamieson, Book by Elinor Cook Based on books by Enid Blyton
WELCOME
KATHY BOURNE AND DANIEL EVANS PHOTOGRAPH BY SEAMUS RYAN
FESTIVAL 2022
Welcome to The Famous Five: A New Musical – the final production of Festival 2022! Our 60th anniversary season has flown past, and has given us all a huge lift after the rollercoaster ride of the previous two years. Working in partnership assumed an even greater significance during the pandemic; so, after Our Generation and The Southbury Child – our co-productions with the National Theatre and The Bridge Theatre respectively – we’re delighted to end Festival 22 with this collaboration with Theatr Clwyd and their Artistic Director Tamara Harvey. It’s always exciting to see a brand new British musical, and it’s wonderful to be able to co-produce Theo Jamieson and Elinor Cook’s new work, based on books by Enid Blyton, on our main stage. So many of us were first taken to the
theatre as children, our eyes being opened to the joy and stimulation of live performance and building a lifelong love of drama; so a show appealing to all ages, and celebrating adventure and friendship - as Enid Blyton's books do - is a joyful thing. There’s plenty more entertainment coming up this Winter for families. Do explore our brochures or website for the full range of shows for all ages, from babies to grand- and great-grandparents, including Dear Santa Live – an ideal introduction to theatre for ages 2 – 7; and our annual highlight, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s always magical festive show. This year, they present Alan Bennett’s wonderfully witty adaptation of the classic tale of The Wind in the Willows; come and join Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger on an unforgettable riverbank adventure. We hope you enjoy this performance, and to welcome you here again soon.
Executive Director Kathy Bourne
cft.org.uk
Artistic Director Daniel Evans
WINTER 2022 - 23
THE WIND AND THE WILLOWS By Kenneth Grahame Adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett Music and Additional Lyrics by Jeremy Sams The adventures of Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger are a delight for children and adults alike. Dale Rooks directs Chichester Festival Youth Theatre in Alan Bennett’s witty adaptation of the classic story. For ages 7+
FESTIVAL THEATRE 17 – 31 December #WindInTheWillows
cft.org.uk
WINTER 2022 - 23
MOTHER GOOSE Ian McKellen, John Bishop and Mel Giedroyc star in a hilarious, family-friendly panto that promises to be the ultimate theatrical feast – full of fun, farce and surprises that will make you honk out loud. Ages 6+
FESTIVAL THEATRE 7 – 11 February cft.org.uk
CFYT Celebrates! was a fundraising concert on Sunday 31 July 2022, designed to showcase the very best of the talent it has produced over many years. But this hugely emotional event – which brought the audience to their feet not once but many times throughout the performance – reminded us of the huge debt we all owe to Chichester Festival Youth Theatre and to the simply extraordinary Dale Rooks who has been the modest and self-deprecating life force behind it. Through personal testimonies on stage, amazing performances, and filmed commentary from past members, we saw how thousands of young lives have been transformed by their experiences. We heard how CFYT had given them confidence, self-assurance, friendship, the ability to communicate, and the power
to be their best – while entertaining some 20,000 people every Christmas with their spectacular shows. These festive events which elsewhere might be simply an excuse for friends and family to buy tickets have become both a tradition and an institution here in our city of Chichester. Some of those young people have gone on to achieve spectacularly in the world of arts – while others have embraced their transferable skills to become everything from graphic artists to paramedics and teachers of distinction. But in a closing, unscripted piece of film there was one thing they all wanted to say. ‘Thank you.’ And they said it to one person in particular, Dale Rooks, who I know from personal experience has fought with every fibre of her being for every single person
CELEBRATING
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL YOUTH THEATRE By Gary Shipton Director and Editor in Chief of Sussex World and the Chichester Observer
who has ever trod the Youth Theatre boards. The concert itself featured a host of alumni performers. Let me mention a few of the stand-outs. Bradley Trevethan, Sam O’Hanlon, Megan O’Hanlon, Alice O’Hanlon. There was a sumptuous ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ sung by Polly Maltby and Ella O’Keeffe – who alternated the Dorothy role in The Wizard of Oz in 2019. Anna Foye’s ‘La Vie En Rose’ brought a tear to the eye such was its emotional power and subtlety while Nick Howard Brown exacted every nuance of humour from his pitch perfect and utterly delightful ‘Reviewing the Situation’ from Oliver! – aided by the enormously talented Katy Ellis on violin. No wonder Felix Mosse has gone on to enjoy such incredible success given his spine tingling ‘Empty Chairs’ from Les Misérables.
The hosts [CFT Trustees and CFYT alumni] Gi Liley and Holly Mirams carried the show with personality and panache. But, of course, the one person everyone wanted on stage was Dale herself. She was completely overwhelmed by the standing ovation she received before she had even spoken a word. “I’ve had the great privilege of working with hundreds, no thousands of young people in the Youth Theatre over the past twenty plus years. You are everywhere. You are in London, you are in cities across the UK, you’re overseas. Some of you are married, some of you have children, and those children are back in the Youth Theatre which is really lovely to come full circle. And of course we must pay tribute to those young people who sadly have passed way too prematurely. “You are the most extraordinary group of people. Your energy, enthusiasm and positivity is infectious and I am really, really proud of all of you wherever you are.
“The Youth Theatre has gone on an incredible journey. It started in the 1980s in the theatre tent with story-telling sessions. And here today we have over 750 members and seven satellite locations across the county. “As Daniel [Evans, Artistic Director] said, we want this programme of work to continue way into the future beyond the next 60 years because it does have great impact and the power to change and transform lives. “The encouragement and support comes from the top of the theatre, from Daniel and Kathy [Bourne, Executive Director], the Board of Trustees and it filters right the way through the organisation. We are so lucky and grateful we are celebrated in this way.” She gave a special shout-out to Hannah Hogg, the co-director of the concert and she thanked the anonymous supporters who had offered to double the first £10,000 of donations. It costs more than £350,000 to run CFYT
each year and there is a plea for as much financial support as possible. Daniel Evans led the singing of the final song of the show ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel, which encapsulated everything the Youth Theatre represents. He said to the audience: “I can’t tell you how inordinately proud we are of our Youth Theatre which make us the envy of many theatres around the country. “There are also two groups of young people that aren’t represented here today – but they are core to us. The first is a group of young carers – some as young as five – who have serious, sometimes onerous responsibilities looking after their siblings or their parents. They are able to come to the theatre in an inclusive, safe environment and have fun and focus on themselves for a change. “The second group is young, unaccompanied asylum seekers – who often come from very challenging war-torn areas
around the globe. They are able to learn some new skills, socialise together and be in a safe place and crucially a place that allows them to be themselves. “We have recently included both Syrian and Ukrainian refugees. Chichester was recently named as the city in the UK that’s taken in more Ukrainian refugees than any other. As a city and a theatre we are openarmed, and we are welcoming people in times of need.” Everyone in Chichester should share in his pride. The Youth Theatre here is simply the best in class. We salute everyone involved, especially the young people themselves who have, through all their hard work, transformed not just their lives – but all of ours as well. This review appeared on sussexworld.co.uk on 1 August 2022 and is reprinted with their kind permission.
To donate to the work of CFYT, visit cft.org.uk/birthdayappeal
Former and current members of Chiches reflect on what CFYT means to them. Lives changed, careers made and a family forged. Daniel Hill, Theatre Maker and Videographer (CFYT 1998-2003)
I’ve definitely taken lots of transferable skills into my profession. Commitment and communication are key in the role I do in the ambulance service. Katie Finch, Paramedic (CFYT 2007-2009)
It was the first time that I saw a creative theatrical process from beginning to end, and what’s brilliant about the Youth Theatre is that it involves its young people in every stage of that. It’s meant that I feel more prepared to do my job as a director. Not only that, the Youth Theatre is a really kind and nurturing environment and I aspire to create that environment in my own rehearsal rooms.
When I was 18, I had quite a difficult experience – my dad passed away and my grandma passed away, and I had a really, really tough time with mental health as a result. And I have never been so grateful to an organisation as I was at that period of time as a family network and support. They put a smile on my face at a time when nothing else really did. I really wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have the support of CFT.
Lucy Betts, Theatre Director (CFYT 1993-2006)
Twyla Doone, Communications Strategist (CFYT 2008-2014)
It’s hard to put into words exactly what impact CFYT has had on my life, because every aspect of what I want to do in my career has come from the passion in theatre that Chichester Festival Youth Theatre gave me. Caleb Barron, Theatre Writer/Director (CFYT 2009-2017)
It inspired me to make sure that I’m doing something that I’m enthusiastic about every day and that I work really hard to do that. Olivia Rose, Theatre Maker & Mental Health Co-Ordinator (CFYT 1997-2005)
ster Festival Youth Theatre
Working in a business, you have to sell your work to a client, and you have to present in front of the whole business, you’re putting on a performance. So those skills I learnt at Youth Theatre have been so transferable. Kassy Bull, Graphic Designer (CFYT 2007-2013)
CURRENT CFYT MEMBERS The thing about CFYT is that you’re celebrated for the things that are different about you and make you unique. Priya Uddin, aged 19
It’s really improved my confidence – it’s helped me with conversation, it’s helped me with doing stuff I wouldn’t normally expect me to do. Dominic Lacey, aged 14
The Youth Theatre introduced me to puppetry. I would not be here without Chichester. They were my training for my whole career. Romina Hytten, pictured with Fred Davis, Actor Puppeteers and winners of a 2022 Laurence Olivier Award as members of the puppetry team on The Life of Pi in the West End (CFYT 2009-16)
It’s about building resilience and growing as a person, not just the acting. I think anybody could benefit from what we do. It could prepare you for anything. Paige Fitzsimmons, aged 17
It’s for everyone and it’s always a good time. No matter what happens in the session, you will leave with a smiling face. MJ (Jacinta) McKenzie, aged 14
FOOD AND DRINK Enjoy delicious food and drink at our welcoming café and restaurant. Whether you’re having a meal before the show, simply relaxing with a coffee or powering up using our free Wi-Fi, we can’t wait to welcome you.
DINE BEFORE THE SHOW
GREAT COFFEE IN A GREAT LOCATION
Bring the whole family to The Brasserie – our spacious, family friendly restaurant just opposite the Festival Theatre. Enjoy a contemporary British menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients and top-notch service – we guarantee to have you in your seats in time for the show!
A great spot for barista coffee, freshly made sandwiches, delicious cakes and a range of drinks. Our Café on the Park offers indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Oaklands Park and family friendly areas in our spacious foyer.
Check out the delicious children’s menu available for The Famous Five and The Wind in the Willows online.
Open Monday to Friday from 10am and from 9am on Saturday so ParkRunners can stop by for much needed refreshment.
Open for Festival Theatre performances: matinees from 12pm and evening shows from 5pm. Also available for Christmas parties, private hires and functions.
Visit cft.org.uk/eat, call 01243 782219 or email dining@cft.org.uk for opening times, reservations, menus and more.
Music & Lyrics by Theo Jamieson, Book by Elinor Cook Based on books by Enid Blyton