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In pictures: behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella

News 10 Jan 2025

News Story

Follow us behind the curtain of Chichester Festival Youth Theatre's Cinderella and read some fun facts about what happens behind the scenes.

A young person wearing all black holds a tablet and sits backstage in front of two screens and a radio mic rac. They wear a headset and look at a performer, out of focus in the foreground, focused and friendly.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

If you saw the show, you’ll have seen the talented youth company in action on the stage, but did you know there were also over 40 Technical Youth Theatre members helping to make the magic happen?

A section of the set from Cinderella. The backdrop is a greyish brown brick wall with arched windows. The floor is grey stone cobbles. There are four houses clustered together in the centre, in the style of paper lanterns, illuminated with a soft warm glow. There are a few tufts of green grass poking out from behind one of the houses.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

The houses on the set were inspired by paper lanterns. Designer Simon Higlett has designed over 25 productions at CFT including 12 for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.

Four performers stand in the dark, dimly lit in blues and purples, waiting to go on stage. They are photographed side on, standing in a line.

Waiting in the wings!

A selection of props arranged neatly on the props table, separated by a grid of masking tape and labelled: a notebook and pencil, a compact mirror, buttons, a fan, feather boas and false severed toes with stage blood on the end.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

Can you spot the gruesome prop?! There were over 300 props in Cinderella. Two junior prop makers assisted our amazing team.

Three members of stage crew, wearing all black work on stage, prepare the set on stage. The backdrop is a greyish brown brick wall with arched windows. The floor is grey stone cobbles. One wheels on a grey bed dressed with cream bedding. The other two wheel on houses, in the style of paper lanterns. The tiered theatre seating and stage lights can be seen in the background on the right hand side of the image.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

Our Technical Theatre Apprentice Laura Hackett was one of the Assistant Stage Managers for Cinderella.

An image taken from backstage. There is a dark curtain covering much of the image with indistinguishable props in the foreground in a very low purple light. A member of the band can just be seen, playing a wind instrument.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

A glimpse at the band! Six professional musicians played Jason Carr's original music.

Two performers sit in wigs, hair and makeup having their hair done by two stylists wearing all black. They sit in front of a table packed with hair styling tools and products, in front of a wall of mirrors surrounded with lights. Wigs can be seen on shelves lining the opposite wall.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

The wigs team working their magic on two of the stepsisters.

A young performer smiles warmly at the camera. They wear a checked shirt and brown workman's waistcoat, which they are buttoning up.

Alex has been in three CFYT Christmas shows. He shared:

The CFYT shows and the cast are more than family. They not only support but push you to be better.

Alex, Cinderella cast member

Three grey plastic chairs are lined up with costumes flung over them. There are two pink silk garments and a red silk blouse with a floral pink lining and a burgundy belt.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

There were 250 costume looks in Cinderella, designed by Abigail Caywood. An amazing team of wardrobe whizzes came together to fit and make the costumes then dress the cast each day.

A young performer wearing a green jumper and green trousers leans against a white wall, mid conversation. Their hands are in their pockets and they look relaxed and casual.
Behind the scenes of CFYT's Cinderella Image: Tim Hills 2024

Did you spot which bird Devon was playing?

Visit the CFYT webpage to find out more about our renowned Youth Theatre and watch the video for an insight into Tech Youth Theatre.

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