Following the success of Parkland to Performance, which has toured Hampshire and West Sussex for the last nine months, visitors to Inspire Felpham, will be able to discover highlights from Chichester Festival Theatre’s archive from 23 October 2015.
The story of the Theatre’s founding will be explored through an array of photographs and documents and brought to life with oral history sound clips and early video footage, including Princess Alexandra laying the Foundation Stone and Keith Michell preparing for a performance of The Chances in 1962.
The exhibits will be on display in the foyer area and in the centre’s Bramber Studio which will examine the making of some of the Theatre’s successful musicals, comedies and dramas. Production images, rehearsal notes and other information will chart the development and staging of Macbeth, Just So and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying as well as the Youth Theatre’s production of Alice in Wonderland.
During the week pupils from Felpham Community College will use what they learn about the history of the Theatre and its productions to inspire their own work. On weekends the studio will also be open to the public and there will be a family friendly props making workshop drawing from the material on display. Further details of this workshop below.
Chief Executive of Inspire Leisure, John Stride said “Inspire Leisure is delighted to be hosting this cultural exhibition which tells the fantastic story of the Festival Theatre and includes some previously unseen material. For those that have never visited the centre before come along enjoy the exhibition, have a great cup of coffee and have a look around at the services and facilities we offer our community. ”
The exhibition will be on display at Inspire Felpham from 23 October until January 2016. The studio will be open to the public on Saturdays from 10.30am – 4pm and Sundays 8am – 4pm. For more information visit cft.org.uk.
FREE FESTIVE PROPS WORKSHOP – Saturday 05 December
To accompany The Making of Chichester Festival Theatre exhibition members of the Theatre’s Props Department will be holding a fun, festive workshop, suitable for all ages.
Participants will use professional prop-making techniques to create their own decorative props, inspired by the upcoming Youth Theatre production, A Christmas Carol.
On the day there will be three sessions held in the Bramber Studio:
10.30am – 11am
11.30am – 12pm
2pm – 2.30pm
There are 12 bookable places in each session, which can be booked by emailing [email protected] or phoning Rebecca on 01243 784437 ext. 2213.
There will also be a number of walk-in places available in each of the sessions, but please note that places are limited and you may not be able to join in the workshop.
