News Story
October
Our renowned Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (CFYT) are busy in rehearsals bringing an incredibly Christmassy story to the stage for their 40th anniversary with a hive of activity during October half term.
A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and a boy called Nikolas, who isn’t afraid to believe in magic…
Written by international bestselling author Matt Haig, this award-winning children’s book, was a runaway hit and has been translated into over 40 languages. It was also made into a film starring Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent and The Guardian called it an ‘instant classic’. Watch a short interview with Haig here.
It was written to answer a bedtime question from Haig’s son Lucas, 'What was Father Christmas like as a boy?'. The result… an amazing origin story of Father Christmas which the press called:
Terrific . . . An instant classic
Guardian
Like enjoying the warmth of a good fire on a cold day . . . perfect for Christmas in every way
Independent
The Christmas book of the year
The Sun
A new festive classic. Funny, sad and brilliant. It turns out we only knew half the story
Simon Mayo
Director Dale Rooks said ‘We're delighted to present this world premiere stage adaptation of Matt Haig's incredible novel. It's a story of hope, kindness and believing in the impossible. The amazing creative team brings some of Chichester favourites together including Simon Higlett's set design and Ryan Dawson-Laight's costume design, Tom Brady’s music and Philip Wilson’s adaptation, alongside CFYT alumni Romina Hytten's puppetry alongside 72 Youth Theatre members with impeccable storytelling talent. Its going to be a CFYT classic – and a brilliantly Christmassy treat.’
With only 10 weeks until Christmas, book your tickets to this festive adventure which plays 15 – 31 December. Remember, family tickets offer 50% discount for up to four under 16s with every full price paying adult. T&C's apply.
September
Stats of the story so far...
- 228 signed up to audition
- Over 70 young people from CFYT's expansive Youth Theatre in in the cast, alongside a fully professional creative team.
- 32 different schools represented
- 43% of CFYT members have not been in a Christmas production before
- All seven CFYT satellite locations are represented
What lies ahead...
- Over 200 hours of rehearsals
- Four technical sessions
- Two dress rehearsals
- 21 show-stopping performances
- Amazing experiences, new friendships forged, unforgettable memories made!
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre is one of the finest organisations of its type in the country
Susan Elkin
Entertainment of the highest quality
Chichester Observer
