It was confirmed last month that Chichester Festival Theatre was receiving a grant of £1.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund in support its RENEW development project.
The funding will support the restoration of the Grade II listed Festival Theatre Building and the introduction of a three-year community participation programme which began this month, and the grant will help deliver important restoration works to the roof, concrete, glazing and timber fascia and re-instate 100 seats in the balconies.
Executive Director Alan Finch said “This was a real boost to our plans. We greatly value the support that the Heritage Lottery Fund is providing for our theatre at this key stage in our redevelopment. We also welcome the exciting opportunity to celebrate our theatre’s heritage. Having marked our 50th anniversary, this feels like the perfect moment to embark on this major project and involve as many volunteers as possible.”
In addition to the essential repairs to the Festival Theatre, the RENEW project will incorporate a new extension, increased seating capacity, improved access and public facilities, improved backstage facilities and changes to make the building more energy efficient.
An extensive activity programme will be rolled out as part of the project and will include providing public access to the theatre’s records for the first time through archiving and digitisation, a touring exhibition, open days and youth theatre productions. As part of the training programme, three heritage traineeships, extensive volunteer opportunities and partnership working with community organisations, schools and universities will also be key to ensuring the local community is involved with the life of the project and theatre.
The fundraising campaign to raise the £22 million required now continues in earnest to raise the essential remaining £1 million. This campaign is also supported by Arts Council England, West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council as well as support from trusts, local businesses and individuals.
The demolition side of the project has now been completed and the building stands as originally intended as a ‘concrete tent’ in the middle of the park with the intent of bringing theatre to Chichester. The restoration and rebuilding can now continue—at least when the snow, which closed the theatre box office and staff offices yesterday afternoon, clears.
It was thought, at first, that the Minerva Theatre could keep going during the restoration period but the mud and chaos, it was decided, would be too disrupting and so there is no Winter Season this year, but the Summer Season, Festival 13, will be announced in February and performances will take place in the newly-constructed Festival Pavilion as well as in the Minerva Theatre while the RENEW project continues.
There is a camera placed on top of the Minerva transmitting live footage of the work in hand and the ‘online gallery’ is up and running with regular photographic updates so people can keep up with the progress.
Meanwhile a range of half term activities is on offer for young people of all ages, linked to the theatre building and construction.
Little Notes on Monday 18th February, a music and movement session, will be led by classically-trained musician Mark Bradbury using his voice and a range of instruments to create an interactive musical space for young children and their carers to explore. Age ranges are from newborn to four years.
The Three Little Pigs on Tuesday 19th February is an adventure to an imaginary land with Dani Bradstreet leading 5- to 7-year-olds to explore what can be used to build a house. The workshop will be filled with drama activities, games and craft.
Phoenix Rising from the Fire on Wednesday 20th February explores the themes of the Rising of the Phoenix legend in which a bird is reborn from the ashes of its predecessor. Led by Luke Osborne, participants will develop drama skills and techniques, build confidence and meet new friends (8- to 11-year-olds).
Constructing Play on Thursday 21st February is for 12- to 16-year-olds who would like to write a play but don’t know where to start, or have lots of ideas but struggle to put them on paper. Professional playwright and director Rosanna Lowe will guide participants through a dynamic practical workshop showing how to draw ideas together to create interesting and memorable plays.
For more details about these activities, or the bursaries available, contact the Learning and Participation Department on 01243 784437 or e-mail [email protected]