Chichester Festival Theatre Theatre: Live Performance & puppetry workshop
theatre works! recently partnered with Chichester Festival Theatre bringing 200 students to see The BFG and take part in a post-show Q&A and puppetry workshop with technical teams and the wider company.
For many students, stepping into a professional theatre space was powerful, for 90% it was their first time at the theatre. It challenged assumptions about who theatre is for and what futures are possible.
Across the visit, students engaged not only with the performance itself, but with the wider creative teams behind it, from staging and lighting to storytelling and performance.
Here’s some of the feedback from teachers and students describing the impact:
'It was really interesting to talk to the people backstage and ask questions about the lighting. I loved seeing how everyone worked together to make the performance. I now want to be a lighting designer one day because of this show.' - Student
I really enjoyed the special effects and the giants getting the audience involved. They made me jump!' - Student
'Wow! Today was amazing, I wish we could go and see it again! It has made me want to take part in our school performance next year' - Student
'I found The BFG thrilling and so interactive. The acting was phenomenal and I could not believe my eyes.' - Student
‘I couldn't believe it when I saw the puppets come to life! It was so realistic and I didn't even realise people were holding them!' - Student
‘This was an incredible opportunity for our young people. It showed them just how many people are involved within the process and gave them a chance to build on and create new aspirations. From performing on stage to helping create costumes, props, designing sets and lighting.’ - Teacher
‘This experience was fundamental for our pupils to see how professional theatre takes place and presented them with the opportunity to also see children in the industry. We have many avid performers in school who had never experienced seeing a live show before and many are still wanting tasks that relate to The BFG now! It was an amazing show which was awe-inspiring!’ - Teacher
Teachers consistently highlight how these trips complement classroom learning while offering something schools alone cannot provide… immersion.
‘It was amazing to see their reactions and engagement throughout the performance.’ - Teacher
‘It reinforced how powerful theatre can be as a medium for storytelling and reflection, helping students think critically about society and relationships.’
Here are some examples of the classwork students created
Additional educational activities alongside live theatre performances are integral for maximising impact and we request that education is embedded within grant applications.
If you believe in our mission, consider donating to enable more children and young people to access theatre experiences like this.