insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 20 - October 2016 | Page 37

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT C H R I S T M A S AT CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE Chichester Festival Theatre’s winter season offers an exciting array of entertainment for the whole family, appealing to all tastes and ages from toddlers upwards. The theatre welcomes children and families and is a proud member of the Family Arts Standards (www.familyartsstandards.com). A range of special refreshments and high chairs are available in the café - a fun area with lots of space in the foyer for buggies and lively little ones, and baby changing facilities are provided in both male and female toilets. Celebrate Christmas itself with Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (CFYT), who return to the Festival Theatre stage in perennial favourite Peter Pan, suitable for ages 7 and over. Under the direction of Dale Rooks, CFYT has been presenting captivating productions for over a decade, and last year the company won the prestigious UK Theatre Award for ‘Best Show for Children and Young People’ for Running Wild. The annual Christmas shows have become something of a tradition for many families and Peter Pan is certain to delight with puppetry designed by Michael Fowkes and enchanting music composed by Eammon O’Dwyer. J.M. Barrie’s classic tale tells the thrilling story of the wistful, maverick boy who refuses to grow up, teaches the Darling children how to fly, and whisks them off to Neverland – a delightfully frightening place. As well as other occasionally ordinary children from the outside world, they encounter a company of lost boys, mysterious mermaids, and a gang of swashbuckling pirates and their leader, the villainous Captain Hook. A relaxed performance on December 30th at 2pm welcomes individuals, groups and families with children on the autistic spectrum, with sensory and communication disorders, or with a learning disability - or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment. For younger ones, Mr Popper’s Penguins is the perfect winter treat. Painter and decorator by day, Mr Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when, one day, a packing crate arrives on his doorstep, out of which waddles a penguin! This adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book (also made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey) is produced by the same team behind equally phenomenal shows, The Tiger Who Came to Tea and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Filled with warmth, humour, and of course a troupe of endearing penguin puppets, Mr Popper’s Penguins is the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones aged 3 and over. Families can enjoy a free play area in the Minerva Bar and Grill before and after performances with bean bags, play mats and lots of craft activities for all ages. The Royal Marines Portsmouth and Chichester Cathedral Choir band lead this year’s Christmas concerts, a celebration of the 37 festive season with traditional carols, seasonal singalongs, and a few Christmas-cracker jokes. Last year’s entertaining evenings included a repertoire of much-loved yuletide songs, which varied from ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing!’ to ‘Carol of the Bells’, and Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’. This year’s programme will once again be topped off with an appearance from the Royal Marine’s extraordinary band, Corps of Drums, which is certainly not to be missed. Throughout the season families can take part in workshops and activities, designed to explore the productions on and beyond the stage. Celebrate Mr Popper’s Penguins at the Penguin Bauble Workshop and Penguin Party! Or, find out what goes on behind the scenes at the Peter Pan Theatre Day. For further details, please call 01243 781312, or visit www.cft.org.uk. Christmas concerts: December 6th to 10th; tickets from £15. Mr Popper’s Penguins: December 7th to 11th; tickets from £12.50. Peter Pan: December 17th to 31st; tickets from £10.