Black artists and activists in Birmingham, England, say the city’s largest playhouse has sold out by leasing its auditoriums to the criminal justice system.
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Pinocchio - photo by Manuel Harlan
The show, from Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, attracted huge praise in its first few days.
In a statement, the CFT said: Following the government’s announcement of Sussex being moved into Tier 4 from Boxing Day, we are deeply sorry to have to cancel the remaining live performances of Pinocchio from 26 December – 2 January inclusive. However, we have been able to schedule a limited number of extra streamed performances for audiences to watch from home instead. We know how much our audiences have loved coming to the Theatre over the last few days and that they will be as disappointed as we are by this turn of events.
Alfie Ayling as Geppetto and Archie Elliot as Pinocchio. Photo by Manuel Harlan
But the wonderful interpretation of the story of the puppet that comes to life without the need of strings technically just about achieves that.
Of course, Director Dale Rooks isn’t merely a genius. She is a legend. She, more than anyone else, has taken Chichester’s youth theatre to the greatest heights – and consistently so. How many young lives has she transformed? How many children has she inspired to love the arts? How many fledgling careers has she launched?
This is not the biggest nor the most fancy gig under her tenure – but just like the transformation of a piece of wood into the living, breathing mischievous puppet whose nose always lengthens when he tells a lie, this is a miracle none the less.
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Pinocchio - photo by Manuel Harlan
With all the skills and confidence they gain, members of Chichester Festival Youth Theatre move on to a huge range of fantastic careers.
But whatever achievements lie ahead for the current company, they will always look back on Pinocchio 2020 as one of the greatest and most significant nights of their lives.
There’s a moment where two key characters should embrace. They don’t, of course, and the moment is incredibly touching.
But they find a way in a simple gesture which reminds us just how unbelievably awful 2020 has been, but just as importantly a gesture which reminds us just how strong the human spirit is and just how brightly hope can still burn.
âChristmas Carolâ Review: Brooding Scrooge Gets Ghosted
An elaborate production streamed live from London makes a miser out of Andrew Lincoln and the rest of us rich with holiday cheer.
Andrew Lincoln makes for a particularly charismatic, if obstinate, Scrooge in the Old Vic production of “A Christmas Carol.”Credit.Manuel Harlan
Published Dec. 18, 2020Updated Dec. 23, 2020
I woke up with the sight of snow banked against my windowsill, so perfectly even and untouched that it was as if each flake had been placed by hand. Then the mug of hot oatmeal and the donning of the baggiest, fuzziest â and, thus, comfiest â lounge pants I own. What better way to prepare for a matinee performance of âA Christmas Carolâ?