Stage: award success for Chichester Festival Theatre
Imelda Staunton, David Hare and Henry Goodman all pick up prizes for work at Chichester Festival Theatre
Two outstanding performances in Chichester Festival Theatre productions have won prestigious industry awards. At the Theatre Awards announced on Sunday 28 October, Imelda Staunton won Best Performance in a Musical for her portrayal of Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, first staged at Chichester during Festival 2011 before transferring to the West End earlier this year. Henry Goodman received the award for Best Performance in a Play in the title role of The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui, staged during Festival 2012.
Jonathan Church, artistic director at Chichester Festival Theatre, said: “It’s wonderful to receive this recognition of Imelda and Henry’s extraordinary and unforgettable performances in these extremely demanding and complex roles. This is the Festival Theatre’s 50th year, and to win these accolades feels like a fitting conclusion to Festival 2012.” Chichester Festival Theatre had also received nominations in the following categories: Best New Play – South Downs by David Hare; Best Musical Production – Sweeney Todd, directed by Jonathan Kent, and Best Performance in a Musical – Michael Ball in Sweeney Todd.
The Awards – formerly known as the TMA Theatre Awards – are given by the Theatrical Management Association, and include not only London’s West End, but theatres throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Redevelopment begins at Chichester Festival Theatre
At the same time as the company are receiving such accolades the demolition of the Admin building at Chichester Festival Theatre has already started marking the beginning of the next phase of its major RENEW redevelopment programme.
An excavator (digger) is now on site, carrying out demolition work and over the next few weeks, the contractors will gradually remove the areas at the rear of the theatre, including the Green Room, the foyer Terrace Bar and the Box Office. Alan Finch, executive director at Chichester Festival Theatre, said: “Although it’s sad in some respects to see the demise of the buildings that hold so many special memories, it’s very exciting to mark the latest phase of the Theatre’s redevelopment. We remain extremely grateful to all of the organisations and individuals who have made it possible.”
The redevelopment will incorporate essential repairs to the Grade II* Listed Festival Theatre, a new extension, increased seating capacity, improved access and public facilities, improved backstage facilities and changes to make the building more energy efficient. The Theatre’s RENEW campaign received a major boost this summer when Arts Council England (ACE) confirmed a recent award of £12 million towards the project. The Arts Council funding immediately unlocked an additional £8 million in pledged local support from businesses, trusts and individuals, and, most notably, from West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council who have pledged £1.5 million and £500,000 respectively.
The fundraising campaign, ongoing for the last two years, continues in earnest to raise the essential remaining £1.8 million.
The inevitable disruption during the early phases of the onsite work means that a winter season will not be staged in the Minerva Theatre this year. However, plans are already underway for Festival 2013, which will be announced next February. Chichester District Council has given planning permission for the Theatre to build a temporary 1,400-seat Pavilion on the Park. This structure will be built in Oaklands Park, staging large-scale productions alongside those that will play in the Minerva Theatre.
Featuring unrestricted views of the stage, state of the art lighting and sound rigs, the Pavilion will sit at the heart of a self-contained complex, complete with an open plan bar and café and extensive toilet facilities.
To find out more about the RENEW campaign, or to make a donation, go to www.cft.org.uk/renew or contact Sarah Mansell, RENEW Campaigns Director on 01243 784437 extension 2219, sarah.mansell@cft.org.uk
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