#CFTPrologue

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Win tickets to see King Lear featuring Ian McKellen!

It was very exciting here at CFT earlier this week as we welcomed the cast of King Lear to Chichester for the final two of weeks of rehearsals. The cast includes some fantastic Shakespearean actors including Danny Webb, Phil Daniels, Dervla Kirwin, Sinéad Cusack and the great Ian McKellen.

The production has been virtually sold out for months (except for a handful of Prologue tickets which are still available) but we have been lucky to secure 2 tickets for a Prologue giveaway!

These tickets are for the performance on Tuesday 3 October and are open to anyone that signs up to Prologue between Wednesday 13 September and Wednesday 27 September.

If you are already a Prologue member and are desperate to see the production you have 2 options; Get a friend to sign up to Prologue and hope they take you if they win OR go online and book your £5 tickets now!

https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/king-lear

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How to Make a Book - Using Polystyrene and a Printer. For our next production in the Minerva Theatre, The House They Grew Up In, our Artist in Residence, Kanaida Povey, has been busy making a number of fake books for the set. Take a look at her blog to see a video of how she makes them. http://bit.ly/2rXbdnQ

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Sweet Bird of Youth Stars Q+A

Time for a Q+A session with the stars from CFT’s upcoming production of Sweet Bird of Youth. Have a read as Brian J. Smith, Marcia Gay Harden and Director Jonathan Kent talk characters, adventure and what makes CFT so special...

Brian J. Smith -  Chance

Can you summarise in one sentence for us who your character is in Sweet Bird of Youth?

Chance is a small town southern boy who’s wanted to be special, and wanted validation and just looked for it in the wrong places. He has lost himself and has one last ditch, desperate effort to get himself clean again and find redemption.

You’ve just come out of a Tennessee Williams play in the West End (The Glass Menagerie which transferred from Broadway) – is this part of a trend? Should we expect to see you in Streetcar next?

I don’t know! Probably not. It has been such a happy accident that it ended up this way and it’s really great – to get to spend from 10.30 in the morning to 10 at night immersed in Tennessee Williams is a very special thing but I don’t expect it to continue. I guess actors always think we’re never going to work again! So you have to enjoy it while you’re in it and whatever happens next, happens.

As an American making the transition across the pond, what has been the most exciting thing about working here so far?

The audiences are amazing. Tickets are so affordable and accessible here in a way that they’re not in the States – it’s really become a luxury to go to the theatre in New York. Here it feels like everyone can afford to go to the theatre and everyone wants to. It really does feel like a people’s theatre in a way we haven’t quite figured out in the States

Marcia Gay Harden - Princess

Can you tell us why you wanted to do this play and who your character is in Sweet Bird of Youth?

Tennessee Williams is such a lyrical, poetic playwright and I’ve never done any of his plays; so just to do a play of his alone is fantastic. The character of Princess in Sweet Bird of Youth is a force of nature; her relationship with Chance is such a tragic journey. The character is an aging actress, dealing with many of the same things I would be dealing with. So ‘the play’s the thing’ – that’s the main reason. But the second thing is life; the play is rehearsing in London and then going to Chichester and it seems like such an adventure. I’ve never done anything like that before. I have children and I’ve left them back in the States with their dad; just to come here and be in this environment is a dream come true.

This is your UK stage debut; what are you most excited about?

It’s just an adventure. I admire so much the actors and the theatre world here, and the history and the beauty of the land. Sometimes it’s good to shake yourself up a bit and get out of the track that you’re on, take the road less travelled – and this to me seems the road less travelled.

Jonathan Kent - Director

You just can’t keep away from us it seems and we’re so pleased to be having you back this season! What is it about CFT that keeps you coming back?

It’s a great place to work – I think the Festival Theatre is a wonderful space. I love that auditorium, the way it embraces the stage – there’s something very intimate at the same time as it being an epic space;  all the energy of the audience pours down onto the stage. It’s a really strong arena for actors, particularly since the renovations. It was created by a great actor, Laurence Olivier, and it remains a forum for fantastic actors.

You’ve been wanting to direct Sweet Bird of Youth for a while, why is now the perfect time for it?

Given the current political situation in America, this play has really come into relief. It deals with a society dominated by a bigoted, racist demagogue and I think what 6 or 7 years ago might have seemed far-fetched, now just seems like news reporting, frankly.

What convinced you that Marcia and Brian were right for the parts of Alexandra del Lago and Chance Wayne?

There’s no point in doing the play without a brilliant cast that you really believe in. Marcia Gay Harden is US acting royalty: she’s perfect for the role, and Brian J. Smith is a superb young actor who also hails from southern Texas so he knows the world in which it’s set.

£5 Prologue tickets for Sweet Bird of Youth are now on sale! If you’re aged 16-25, become a member today for free to book yours

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Meet the new Prologue Ambassadors!

It's that time of year again where Chichester Festival Theatre welcomes a new group of Prologue Ambassadors, a team dedicated to encouraging 16-25 year olds into the theatre through CFT's Prologue scheme.

 Continuing the Festival Season in the Minerva is Mike Bartlett's play Cock, which has opened to critical acclaim. Here are some of the Ambassadors' reactions to the show:

Sammy Lacey, our co-Video Content Ambassador, particularly enjoyed the design elements, and the Minerva's transformation into an in-the-round space: 'I liked the fact that there was no set used on stage, it was just a red line to indicate the stage area, but they had put up sheets of red painted brick effect on all the walls and covered the tech box for stage management, sound and lighting. I also liked how the stage floor was made from worn chip wood and that it had been used by the main entrance compared to the normal black curtains that are usually there.'

Hannah Millard, our Winter Season and West End Ambassador, praised Cock as a 'raw and truthful insight in to the complexity and fluidity of sexuality, society and relationships. Brought to life by the cast and the characters, it is a fire that keeps on burning hot until the bitter end (and trust me, there is a lot of roasting). It is brutally funny, dramatically gripping and undeniably moving. In the end, Cock is not about what you are, but who you are.'

Bethan Whitear, our Editorial Content Ambassador, found Cock to be 'an incredibly moving, relevant piece of theatre that leaves you with a gut-punch that only fades long after leaving the theatre. It combines humour and heartbreak within a single line, and is performed with depth and subtly by an outstanding quartet of actors. All elements of the production are inspired in this exploration of labels and sexuality in contemporary society.'

The Ambassadors are looking forward to a year of productions at Chichester Festival Theatre and the Minerva! Make sure to follow all Prologue and CFT social media accounts for new content from the 2018/19 Prologue Ambassadors:

CFT: Prologue on Facebook

@CFTPrologue on Twitter

@ChichesterFT on Instagram

 Cock runs until 27th October at the Minerva Theatre, you do not want to miss this. Remember to sign up to the free Prologue scheme for £5 tickets for 16-25 year-olds, and to check the additional seating for tickets to Cock!

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Prologue Picks: Copenhagen

Our Ambassador Tilly takes a look at the sensational drama Copenhagen for her Prologue Pick and tells you why you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to enjoy it!

This production wasn’t something that caught my eye at first. However on second inspection, I realised that this play looked interesting, due to it being based on facts, even though it is entirely fictional. Michael Frayn, the playwright, ‘speculates’ on what might have been revealed during a meeting between German physicist, Werner Heisenberg and Danish colleague, Nielss Bohr. The play goes on to explore the ethical dilemmas of atomic bombs. When researching into this play, I learnt several things; Copenhagen is set in an undisclosed location, with no mention of props, set, costume or scenic design - furthermore, the play doesn’t offer a single stage direction, which means the actors and directors are completely left up to their own interpretation of actions. As well as this, there are only three characters during the entire show!

You don’t necessarily have to be a physics fanatic to enjoy this play, Copenhagen explores the strength of friendship tested not only by science, but memory, war and death too. Interestingly, this CFT production reunites the playwright and the director who made the original production back in 1998, at the National Theatre, which was, and still is the most awarded play in British theatre history!

Book Now: https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/copenhagen

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Prologue Picks: Me And My Girl

Ambassador Abbie next takes a look at our first big musical of Festival 2018, Me and My Girl.

I absolutely love a musical and Chichester Festival Theatre does them so well. If you saw Fiddler on the Roof then you’ll know what I’m talking about. I think this will also be the case when people discuss Me and My Girl. It’s great for all ages and especially the Prologue age range, taking a break from college, university and/or work and getting completely lost in a story about love sounds magical to me.

I am also looking forward to Me and My Girl because I love a good story where “a Cockney barrow boy” proves that he can do great things. After all who is to say that just because of our class, gender or race that we can’t do amazing things? This summer, CFT are sure to give you an unmissable adventure with endless possibilities. Will Sally fit into Bill’s new life? What are Bill’s answers to his “soul-searching questions”? I personally can’t wait to find out for only £5 a ticket.

Book Now: https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/me-and-my-girl

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Introducing Ben

For the last 9 months I have been a Prologue Ambassador, a voluntary role at Chichester Festival Theatre to promote the amazing value £5 ticket scheme. But as an individual who only attended the odd performance and who is not studying performing arts nor has plans to enter the industry, why am I committed to this role. My name is Benjamin and this is why I am a Prologue Ambassador.

I am currently working at the college, running the student union and representing the views of all students. The college has a vast and varied student body with many students looking for great offers in the area. It’s for this reason I was asked if I would be a Prologue Ambassador to promote the theatre to our student body.

Previously my involvement with theatre was limited attending the odd play every several months. Now my eyes have been opened to the diversity of performances on offer. With tickets only costing £5 I have gone to see productions I wouldn’t usually book myself in for and as a result have found an interest in new genres and types of performance. In the last 9 months I have visited Chichester Festival Theatre 8 times, have tickets for another 2 performances and am eagerly anticipating the summer line up.

 The theatre is an excellent source of entertainment and can develop your cultural outreach. Prologue is one of those schemes which enables young people to develop a love of theatre. It is what has developed my love for theatre and for those yet to use the scheme, I am sure it can do the same for you too.

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Our Q&A with Jazz and Rap star Soweto Kinch

We’re counting down the days until we bring the two-time MOBO Award-winning saxophonist, MC and composer Soweto Kinch to Chichester on 26 January.

His music is an incredible blend of Jazz, Rap and Spoken Word that is unlike that of any other performer in the world. If you’d like to get a taste of his music, visit the event page where you can also book your £5 prologue tickets. https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/soweto-kinch

Soweto has been kind enough to answer some questions from our Prologue Ambassadors, offering advice to all you budding musicians out there.

1.       What has been the most exciting moment in your career so far?

It changes almost every week, but at the moment it’s premiering a silent film score for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Ring at Hackney Empire. Hearing the ensemble bring 1hr 50 minutes of music that had only existed in my head into life, and witnessing the audience response was really fulfilling.

 2.       What comes first when writing new material, the words or the music?

It’s really a chicken and egg question - either sometimes. But almost every piece of music starts with a feeling or impulse, sometimes inspired by current events or a personal experience. The emotion tends to dictate what kind of lyrics or music come first. 

 3.       Who/what are your inspirations?

Musically and philosophically Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsalis, Ornette Coleman, Courtney Pine, Steve Williamson, Julian Joseph and loads more. Also I’m increasingly inspired by historical figures such as Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Robert Wedderburn who were centuries ahead of modern thought and shaped the way we think about ‘freedom.’ 

  4.       What advice would you give to a younger person wanting to start off in a career in music?

Follow the sounds in your imagination and have integrity about how that’s translated to an audience. Don’t worry too much about retweets, views and likes, I think that takes care of itself. Focus on the craft and having a loyal audience and I think you’ll have a career with longevity.

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Prologue tickets added for upcoming music events

Stacey Kent - 3 November https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/stacey-kent

Soweto Kinch - 26 January https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/soweto-kinch

Ola Onabulé - 27 January https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ola-onabule

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Become a Prologue Volunteer Ambassador 2017/18

Molly and Jon are looking for a team of Prologue Ambassador for 2017/18 to help them promote CFT’s fantastic £5 ticket scheme. They’re looking for Social Media, Blogging, Distribution and Video & Photography Ambassadors whether they have previous experience or are looking for opportunities to gain some.

Interested? Apply by Friday 6 October!

https://www.cft.org.uk/job/prologue-volunteer-ambassador-2017-18

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Why you should see...The Dark

1. The story is particularly relevant today - a mother and son fleeing their country in 1978 has echoes with the current refugee crisis.

2. The writer - Nick Makoha is a multi award-winning poet and playwright, whose works include My Father and Other Superheroes and Resurrection Man.

3. The positive reviews - The Guardian has called The Dark 'a story of our times'.

4. It's in the Minerva - it's the perfect environment for such an intimate story with a small cast.

5. The experience - the play calls for the audience to close their eyes and 'create their own darkness', allowing us to connect with the characters in a way which is more involved than simply watching.

Why are you looking forward to seeing The Dark? Tweet us @CFTPrologue.

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Why you should see...Twelfth Night

1.    Great female characters – Viola is one of Shakespeare’s greatest heroines, and Maria gives the men a run for their money

2.    It’s a comedy! – you’re sure to have a fun night out.

3.    Twelfth Night is almost a sequel to another production in the Winter Season – in Shakespeare in Love, we saw the fictional inspiration for Viola. Now, see the character as Shakespeare wrote her!

4.    This is a unique interpretation of the play – this production of Twelfth Night has been hailed as ‘groundbreaking’ and features a cast of just seven actor musicians.

5.    A chance to see a classic play for only £5 – you may have studied Twelfth Night, and now will get to see a new interpretations of iton stage at CFT.

Why are you looking forward to seeing Twelfth Night? Tweet us @CFTPrologue.

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Forty Years On: A Clash of Generations Kicks Off CFT’s Festival 2017 with a Bang

By Grace Cowtan

The first production of Festival 2017 has started, and having seen the dress rehearsal, I can tell you it’s well worth getting your £5 ticket fast.  

Forty Years On is the first play written by Alan Bennett, and it’s a clear predecessor of his much loved and well known The History Boys.  The setting is one that will be familiar to a Prologue audience, a school where students and teachers compete for autonomy. The play centres around a retiring headmaster as he attempts to instill respect for history’s sacrifices in a younger generation who want to leave the past behind them. Reciting prayers and trying to maintain authority, Richard Wilson’s headmaster is fiercely contested by a cast including over 50 young people from the local area, who make their presence felt, representing a different perspective on history through a sometimes moving, sometimes irreverent, end of year play.

Whilst Forty Years On may not be top of your list for the festival season, the themes it explores are hugely relevant today, something which this production aims to draw attention to, as an indelicate mix of humour, poignancy and rugby chants, mirror the clash of generations the play explores.  And if Alan Bennett and Richard Wilson don’t draw you in, the sheer talent of the “school kids” should – the production is bombarded by their a Capella, tap dancing, cross dressing, bell ringing and impersonation.

Review by Grace Cowtan

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PROLOGUE PROMOTION: #BRINGYOURBFF

Bring your BFF to come and watch The Country Girls for half the price of standard Prologue ticket! Simply recreate the famous poster image as shown above, post it to either your Twitter or Facebook, TAG US @cftprologue and use #TheCountryGirls, then we’ll send you a DM with your unique promo code to unlock 1/2 price tickets!*

Don’t forget, you must be a Prologue member for the code to work. Easy, what are you waiting for? If you’re stuck for inspiration, take a look at some of the CFT staff members recreating the image...

T&Cs apply:

Entrant must be a Prologue member, aged 16-25.

A maximum of 2 half price tickets can be bought per member.

Post must include @cftprologue and #TheCountryGirls on either Twitter or Facebook.

Offer cannot be applied retrospectively. 

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random/generations

One of our Prologue Ambassadors, Grace Cowtan gives her thoughts on the opening production of the Minerva season.

Two plays...£5 a ticket...

...why not?    

When you think about Chichester Festival Theatre, you tend to think of musicals, and classic plays; safe choices with big names drawing in the same audiences. But that's simply no longer the case. CFT is offering new plays, innovative productions and exploring contemporary, relevant issues more and more, with the Minerva in particular becoming a really exciting venue for theatre which younger audiences can really engage with and respond to.

This is no more evident than in this year's festival season, which kicks off with two plays in the Minerva, rather than one. With each play lasting less than an hour, and tackling hard-hitting, and hugely relevant issues, random/generations offers a powerful, immersive and different theatrical experience. Both are written by debbie tucker green, a stage manager turned playwright committed to the lower-case, who has made a name for herself in plays performed at Soho Theatre and Royal Court. Her writing is acclaimed not only for its themes but for its poetry, with her plays often preoccupied with language itself.  

Viewed in one evening, the two plays in this double bill have never been paired together, and the contrast between them, in plot, location, and production, promises a fascinating juxtaposition.  random is a one woman play, in which a single actress, Petra Letang, will play multiple parts to portray an emotional narrative. The TV version of it won a Bafta when produced by Channel 4. generations, on the other hand, has a larger cast, made larger still by its accompanying South African choir, which offers an interesting dynamic. It explicitly deals with language and has been noted for its explorations of rhythm.  

This pair of plays offers the rare chance to see something, two somethings, original and interesting.  

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Meet Max, our Resident Assistant Director on 3 productions in Festival 2018, random/generations, Me And My Girl and The Midnight Gang. Throughout the season he will give us an update on how things are going in rehearsals. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to see all his diary entries. https://www.instagram.com/ChichesterFT/