Stage: Spell-binding!
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre are casting their spell on the Minerva stage with their Christmas offering of Roald Dahl’s The Witches
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre has produced enthralling Christmas productions in the Festival Theatre for the past 10 years; now it takes to the Minerva Theatre to present one of Roald Dahl’s most deliciously revolting stories.
When our young hero goes to live with his fabulous Norwegian Grandmama, he discovers the real truth about witches. They don’t ride around on broomsticks, they don’t even wear black cloaks and hats. They are vile, cunning, detestable creatures who disguise themselves as nice ordinary ladies. When the Grand High Witch conjures up a terrifying plan to rid England of its children, it’s up to a wise and wonderful Grandmama to prepare her darling Boy for the most gruesome gathering of Witches ever assembled.
Roald Dahl remains one of England’s best-loved children’s authors whose work includes Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Danny The Champion Of The World, James And The Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvellous Medicine and Matilda.
Adaptor David Wood has written over 70 plays for children, which have been performed all over the world. His adaptation of Goodnight Mister Tom won a 2013 Olivier Award in the Entertainment and Family category. The production undertook a nationwide tour earlier this year following a critically acclaimed West End run in 2012. Wood’s adaptations of Roald Dahl’s classic books including The BFG, The Witches, The Twits, James And The Giant Peach, Danny The Champion Of the World, Fantastic Mr Fox and George’s Marvellous Medicine, as well as an award-winning adaptation of Philippa Pearce’s Tom’s Midnight Garden. He has also written for film and TV and is the author of various children’s books co-created with Richard Fowler.
Dale Rooks is Director of Chichester Festival Youth Theatre. Her productions include Noah, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, Peter Pan and Toad Of Toad Hall.
Age guideline 7+
The Witches is at the Minerva Theatre from 7 December 2013–4 January 2014, times of performances vary. Tickets £17/£20. Various discounts and concessions available, except for performances 24–28 December.
Buy tickets on 01243 781312 or visit www.cft.org.uk
Dale Rooks in conversation with Kate Mosse
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre Director Dale Rooks will be in conversation with Kate Mosse on Monday 16 December at 5.30pm in the Minerva Theatre. Tickets for this pre-show talk are free; please book in advance online at www.cft.org.uk/festival-2013-events or through the Box Office on 01243 781312.
Bringing The Witches to life
What happens when scripts are staged? The creative and technical teams behind The Witches will lead an interactive demonstration and discussion to bring the process of creating a production vividly to life. This event on Friday 13 December at 1.30pm in the Minerva Theatre is open to all. Tickets: £5, students £4. Please book online at www.cft.org.uk or contact the
Box Office on 01243 781312.
