For several years now, asphaleia has been partnering with Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) to provide creative opportunities to ESOL students. These sessions support their wellbeing as well as give them a place to explore the arts and self-expression.
In July, Poppy and Matt from CFT invited young people from asphaleia to a preview of the CFT’s production of Oliver!
We extended the invite to young people who take part in the regular drama sessions with CFT, as well as newer students who will be joining the drama sessions in September – we had 18 ESOL young people, with 3 of our staff members in attendance.
Many of the young people had never been to the theatre before. We were delighted to get a tour of the theatre, seeing both the main theatre areas and smaller Minerva Theatre. Our group joined some young people who are part of a regular drama group at the theatre.
They warmly welcomed us and invited our young people to participate in their session where we all spoke about different things that make us happy.
The production itself was amazing! With captivating and impressive performances by everyone especially all the young people in the cast. Many of the asphaleia young people were very engaged in the show, clapping along and enjoying themselves with abandon.
Matt and Poppy also organised everyone to get ice cream during the intermission as well as show programs for a souvenir
Our young people loved the experience and gave the following feedback:
“I really like this show, I feel very happy to see it”
“All of the children can sing and dance so well!”
“The music was very good, and I liked the [set] and how everything moved and changed.”
It was a special evening and so generous of CFT to invite us along to experience the production, we all had the best time!