THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
KATHY BOURNE AND DANIEL EVANS PHOTOGRAPH BY SEAMUS RYAN
WELCOME
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Living so close to Chichester Harbour and the Canal, many people may agree with Ratty’s famous words from The Wind in the Willows; but we’d add that there is also nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as watching Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s annual Christmas show! It’s a joy to welcome you to Dale Rooks’s new production of this delightful tale. Enhanced once again by Simon Higlett’s inspired set design and Ryan Dawson Laight’s enchanting costumes, it boasts a cast of 64 young people to bring Kenneth Grahame’s immortal tale to life for a new generation.
Alan Bennett’s witty adaptation established itself as a classic when it premiered at the National Theatre in 1990; with music and additional lyrics by Jeremy Sams, it’s a treat for adults and children alike. And what better time to celebrate the glorious wildlife we are lucky enough to have around us? The Sussex Wildlife Trust introduce us to Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad’s real-life counterparts in this programme. There’s plenty more family entertainment to come this Winter season, including a star-studded traditional pantomime – Mother Goose with Ian McKellen, John Bishop and Anna-Jane Casey; and the UK’s first ever professional touring production of the uplifting musical comedy Bugsy Malone. We hope you enjoy today’s performance from our marvellous Youth Theatre, and to see you again soon.
Executive Director Kathy Bourne
cft.org.uk
Artistic Director Daniel Evans
WINTER 2022 - 23
MOTHER GOOSE Ian McKellen, John Bishop and Anna-Jane Casey 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
WINTER 2022 - 23
BUGSY MALONE Alan Parker’s world-famous movie becomes a spectacular theatrical experience. Packed with instantly recognisable songs including My Name is Tallulah and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, this is a joyously uplifting musical comedy! Ages 6+
FESTIVAL THEATRE 15 – 19 February cft.org.uk
CFYT Find your group across West Sussex CFYT holds weekly sessions at eight locations across West Sussex for young people aged 5 to 25 and is for anyone who wants to discover new skills, build confidence, make friends and have fun!
‘It’s about the people you meet and the friends that you make’ Youth Theatre Member
‘I found people that really made me feel like myself’ Youth Theatre Member
Sessions take place in Chichester, Billingshurst, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Horsham, Littlehampton, Midhurst and Worthing.
‘It was amazing to see my son performing with such confidence’ Youth Theatre Parent
Alongside drama sessions we also offer Youth Dance, Musical Theatre, Technical Youth Theatre and sessions for young people with additional needs (these groups are CFYT Wednesday in Horsham and CFYT Friday in Chichester); so choose a group that's right for you and join us!
‘Tech Youth Theatre is an ‘CFYT is the highlight of my week’ amazing, hands on experience’ Youth Theatre Member
Technical Youth Theatre Member
Find out more at cft.org.uk/cfyt
CFT BUDDIES At a Crazy for You Dementia Friendly performance this summer, CFT Buddies were on hand to offer support – particularly for a group of 30 people making their first visit to CFT. Afterwards, their organiser Jacky wrote: ‘Fabulous: no other word will do. We loved every moment. Thank you again for making our trip possible.’ Our CFT Buddies scheme is a free companion service for audience members who may not feel comfortable attending the Theatre on their own or need a little extra support during their visit. Buddies are available free of charge to accompany individuals to attend any event at the Theatre. Working in partnership with Chichester District Council’s Social Prescribing Team, people are also being referred to us for monthly social visits, or to attend activities across the district. Louise Rigglesford, Senior Community and Outreach Manager, says: ‘We know that lack of transport is a barrier to people making use of Buddies, so our next aspiration is to provide training for our volunteers so they can become transport providers as well.
‘Currently we have 15 volunteer Buddies, and will be looking to recruit 10 more in 2023.’ Annette Bulbeck and Claire Rainey, Regional Marketing Coordinators for Rathbones Investment Management, are delighted with the company’s continued sponsorship of the scheme. ‘Rathbones has been the scheme’s principal corporate supporter since its inception. CFT is attended by our staff and clients, some of whom would like to make use of this scheme; others may require the service in the future. Members of the Rathbones team are also looking forward to training as volunteer Buddies.’ To learn more about CFT Buddies, visit cft.org.uk/buddies. If you’re interested in becoming a Buddy, visit cft.org.uk/volunteering-at-cft
BEYOND THE
WILD WOOD REUSABLE CUPS
WILDFLOWER MEADOW
TREES
SWIFT BOXES
WILDLIFE HABITATS
cft.org.uk/green
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS By Kenneth Grahame Adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett Music and Additional Lyrics by Jeremy Sams