Chichester Youth Theatre: Toad of Toad Hall
There's nothing quite like theatre in the open air - being able to move around with the action, using natural and man-made outdoor features, and seeing drama and music minus technology's eccentricities is really refreshing.
And refreshing is certainly one of the words I'd use to describe Chichester Youth Theatre's effervescent treatment of Toad of Toad Hall, staged in the grounds of Rolls-Royce at Chichester. It really was great fun - as any theatrical depiction of the irascible Toad surely has to be, yet with a sophistication and sureness of touch that preserved the classic children's story without turning it into farce.
The action was brisk and kept even the youngest audience member thoroughly entertained, as the story moved from a charming introduction with rabbits dancing to a 20s style jazz band on to a riverside picnic with Ratty, Mole and Badger.
Upon the rollicking arrival of Toad, the pace picks up still further and the story unfolds as the friends are attacked by the feared stoats and weasels, gloriously depicted as either deranged bikers - complete with converted golf cart - and black-toothed pedlars/tinkers; singing mice dressed as Jazz Age flappers entertain the friends at Badger's house and Toad once more escapes being put on the straight and narrow, with his motor car obsession landing him in court in a highly entertaining trial scene.
In the second half, the wily Toad escapes from prison dressed as a washerwoman and pitches up at Ratty's house, where the friends hatch their plan to recapture Toad Hall from its opportunist squatters the stoats and weasels.
It's a startling good production from Dale Rooks and her strong creative team, with every area turning in outstanding quality - from the pzazz and finesse of the jazz band to the excellent sets, from the casting where everyone of the 65-strong cast played their parts to the hilt, to the creative use of Rolls-Royce lakes, hills, roads and courtyard. I was so glad the rain kept off until the very end.
Special mention must be made of the leading players: Jonny Boutwood's jolly sea captain-styled Ratty worked beautifully well alongside Ben Geering's jittery, timid Mole, and Edward Eustace delivered an excellent Badger, exasperated at Toad's irresponsibility, yet a bit of a pompous windbag himself.
As for Alex Jordan's Toad - it was a sheer triumph. From the physicality of the role, through to the facial gurning and animation which so naturally expressed his deviousness, he had the character nailed from start to finish. And what a finish, too, with a superbly choreographed fight scene to close, ending with a real Rolls-Royce picking up Toad for a grand exit, to the accompaniment of fireworks.
A really excellent show, and clear testimony to why this youth theatre group has long waiting lists.
Toad of Toad Hall is on at Rolls-Royce HQ, Westhampnett, near Chichester, West Sussex until 16 August. Now officially sold out, returns only on 01243 781312 or www.cft.org.uk
And refreshing is certainly one of the words I'd use to describe Chichester Youth Theatre's effervescent treatment of Toad of Toad Hall, staged in the grounds of Rolls-Royce at Chichester. It really was great fun - as any theatrical depiction of the irascible Toad surely has to be, yet with a sophistication and sureness of touch that preserved the classic children's story without turning it into farce.
The action was brisk and kept even the youngest audience member thoroughly entertained, as the story moved from a charming introduction with rabbits dancing to a 20s style jazz band on to a riverside picnic with Ratty, Mole and Badger.
Upon the rollicking arrival of Toad, the pace picks up still further and the story unfolds as the friends are attacked by the feared stoats and weasels, gloriously depicted as either deranged bikers - complete with converted golf cart - and black-toothed pedlars/tinkers; singing mice dressed as Jazz Age flappers entertain the friends at Badger's house and Toad once more escapes being put on the straight and narrow, with his motor car obsession landing him in court in a highly entertaining trial scene.
In the second half, the wily Toad escapes from prison dressed as a washerwoman and pitches up at Ratty's house, where the friends hatch their plan to recapture Toad Hall from its opportunist squatters the stoats and weasels.
It's a startling good production from Dale Rooks and her strong creative team, with every area turning in outstanding quality - from the pzazz and finesse of the jazz band to the excellent sets, from the casting where everyone of the 65-strong cast played their parts to the hilt, to the creative use of Rolls-Royce lakes, hills, roads and courtyard. I was so glad the rain kept off until the very end.
Special mention must be made of the leading players: Jonny Boutwood's jolly sea captain-styled Ratty worked beautifully well alongside Ben Geering's jittery, timid Mole, and Edward Eustace delivered an excellent Badger, exasperated at Toad's irresponsibility, yet a bit of a pompous windbag himself.
As for Alex Jordan's Toad - it was a sheer triumph. From the physicality of the role, through to the facial gurning and animation which so naturally expressed his deviousness, he had the character nailed from start to finish. And what a finish, too, with a superbly choreographed fight scene to close, ending with a real Rolls-Royce picking up Toad for a grand exit, to the accompaniment of fireworks.
A really excellent show, and clear testimony to why this youth theatre group has long waiting lists.
Toad of Toad Hall is on at Rolls-Royce HQ, Westhampnett, near Chichester, West Sussex until 16 August. Now officially sold out, returns only on 01243 781312 or www.cft.org.uk