The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton becomes the setting for a perilous quest in the latest production from Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.
It sold out weeks ago so it's returns only for The Firework-Maker's Daughter, the story of a fleet-footed heroine, Lila, who sets off on a dangerous journey to face the terrifying Fire-Fiend.
Her aim is to become a true firework-maker, like her f
ather, but to succeed she must encounter crocodiles, an elephant, snakes, monkeys and pirates.
Around 80 Youth Theatre and Youth Moves Dance Company members from Chichester and surrounding areas will be taking part, bringing eastern magic and exoticism to the grounds of the open-air museum.
As the story unfolds in carnival style, the audience will be led from scene to scene by a band of musicians.
Puppets, percussionists and musicians, including singers using a chanting technique called 'yoiking', will all combine to create large-scale musical, vocal and visual landscapes.
Director Dale Rooks is promising an exotic market place, jungles and volcanoes in another epic adventure for the Youth Theatre.
"I am always looking for an epic tale with plenty of scope for a large cast," she says. "When I read The Firework-Maker's Daughter, something sparked in my theatrical imagination.
"It has got great scope for a really vibrant setting and soundscape. It has got a different theatrical atmosphere. In the past we have had a small band playing. This time we have got 30 percussionists playing all sorts of weird and wonderful instruments."
The production is an adaptation from a story by award-winning children's writer Philip Pullman whose work includes His Dark Materials trilogy and the Sally Lockhart series.
The play has been adapted by Stephen Russell, whose other work includes screen credits for Garrow's Law, Shameless, Drop Dead Gorgeous and Coronation Street.
"Stephen has been very faithful to the original story," Dale said.
"I went to meet him and we talked very passionately about the characters… and I am hoping Philip Pullman will come along. We have invited him."
Dale is confident it's a challenge her young performers – across the full Youth Theatre age range – will respond to.
"It's very heavily ensemble based. It really does involve everybody, and with especially with the music, I think they are all going to be busier than ever."
In the meantime, Dale is working towards her next show with the Youth Theatre which will be once again in the main house at the CFT this Christmas, a slot the Youth Theatre has occupied for the past seven years.
Dale has got a particular title very much in mind – but it remains under wraps for the moment.
Dale's previous productions with the Youth Theatre include The Snow Queen, A Christmas Carol, Toad Of Toad Hall, James And The Giant Peach, Peter Pan, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Oliver! and Pinocchio.
The designer is Amy Jackson, whose previous Chichester credits include The Snow Queen, A Christmas Carol, Oliver! and The Wizard Of Oz.
The composer is Rod Paton, and the puppeteer is Toby Olie, head of puppetry for the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse. The musical director is Jenny Gould.
The Firework-Maker's Daughter is suitable for children aged six and upwards. The audience will follow the production on foot through a variety of locations, including some steep, uneven ground and slopes.
The show is at the Weald and Download Open Air Museum from July 30 until August 12 at 7.15pm.
Only returns available for this production, which is now sold out.
More details at
www.cft.org.uk