The cast of A Boy Called Christmas in rehearsals: they are smiling and making silly faces to the camera

A Boy Called Christmas: on our way to Elfhelm

News 13 Nov 2025

News Story

Follow our Chichester Festival Youth Theatre cast as they're working to create this year's festive production, A Boy Called Christmas, from page to stage.

Adapted from the award-winning novel by international bestselling author Matt Haig, 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…

November: The countdown continues

“Magical, moving, heartwarming, thoughtful... and Christmassy!” 

With less than five weeks until we open, the CFYT cast and professional creative team took some time out of their busy rehearsal schedule to let us know how the show is shaping up in a brand new behind the scenes video.  

Matt Haig in rehearsals

Our 70 strong cast were gobsmacked when Matt Haig, award-winning author of A Boy Called Christmas, made a surprise visit into the rehearsal room. He was treated to a very special meet and greet to Sebastian the Troll (who is being kept strictly under wraps until we open the show) as well as some scenes and songs from the brand new adaptation. The cast were also enjoyed a special Q&A session with the author. 

A huge thank you to Matt - we were delighted to meet you and can't wait to show the finished production in just a few weeks! 

The Youth Theatre cast speaking with author Matt Haig in a busy rehearsal room.

October: News from the rehearsal room

Our renowned Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (CFYT) have been busy in rehearsals bringing our incredibly Christmassy story to the stage for their 40th anniversary. Take a look at our gallery of photos from their hive of activity during October half term. Can you spot Miika?

  • A young performer in a burgundy jacket and red Santa hat is talking to someone whose back is facing the camera. They have a large backpack with a torch sticking out of the top.
  • A group of young performers are in a rehearsal room. Four are standing and in front three are kneeling. Two of the performers are holding large decorated gingerbread men.
  • A young boy in a tan trench coat is sat on the floor with his legs crossed. He is holding a red gingham cloth out in front of his face. Next to him, a girl is operating a small mouse puppet, which is resting on his head. He is looking up at the mouse.
  • A group of young performers are sat on the floor talking to one another. A boy in a red top is sat on a chair looking down at them. Behind, two girls are holding a large wooden frame.
  • A small, brown mouse puppet is resting on a pile of blankets.
  • Two young performers are engaging in conversation. A taller boy in a brown jacket and a red Santa hat is holding a large backpack and an axe. He is pointing at a short boy in a beige trench coat with a worn leather satchel over his shoulder.
  • A group of young performers are in a rehearsal studio. Two of them are holding a large wooden frame, which another boy in a beige trench coat is looking through in wonderment. Another person is holding up two nutcrackers and a small wooden reindeer.
  • A young boy in a brown trench coat smiles gently. He is holding a folded piece of paper in his hands.
  • A young girl in a pink and black striped top is stood with her arms reaching in front of her. She looks excited. Other performers are stood watching in the background.
  • A group of young performers are stood in rows singing.
  • A young boy in a tan trench coat is sat on the floor with his knees pulled up to his chest. Next to him, a girl is operating a small mouse puppet, which is resting on his shoulder.

Matt Haig's this award-winning children’s book was a runaway hit and has been translated into over 40 languages as well as a film starring Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent. Watch a short interview with Haig here. 

A Boy Called Christmas 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:

Like enjoying the warmth of a good fire on a cold day. Perfect for Christmas in every way

Independent on the book

A new festive classic. Funny, sad and brilliant. It turns out we only knew half the story

Simon Mayo on the book

Brightly coloured costume illustrations of elves on top of a close-up of the sparkly, icy blue set design .

Terrific... An instant classic

Guardian on the book

Christmas book of the year

The Sun on the book

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 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, CFYT alumni Romina Hytten's puppetry all beautifully executed by 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, our Family Ticket discount gives up to four under 16s half price tickets with every full price paying adult (available on top 3 prices, excludes Saturday eve). T&C's apply. 

September: The journey begins

Take a look behind the scenes as our CFYT cast start rehearsals for A Boy Called Christmas.

The story so far...

  • 228 young people signed up to audition.
  • Over 70 young people from CFYT's expansive Youth Theatre were cast, to work alongside our professional creative team.
  • 32 different schools are represented within the cast.
  • 43% of the members in A Boy Called Christmas have not been in a CFYT Christmas production before.
  • All seven CFYT satellite locations are represented in this year's cast.

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!
5 Stars

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

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