Reasons to be Cheerful: Happy birthday CFYT By Vicky Edwards

At this point in time, CFYT had not long since evolved from a Saturday morning storytelling session in the theatre’s foyer. Fast forward forty years and it is now of the most dynamic and acclaimed youth theatres in the country.

In addition to providing excedllent comprehensive theatre training, the annual Christmas production that the youth theatre performs on the main stage has, for many, become as traditional a part of Christmas as Santa himself. This year’s production of ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ by Matt Haig will surely be another jewel in CFYT’s already dazzling crown.

Dale Rooks MBE, CFYT’s marvellous director, describes CFYT as ‘a creative powerhouse for learning and growth, for connection and collaboration, where confidence, self-esteem and resilience can flourish; a place where young people can find their voice and find their place in the world.’

And they really do. Soaking up knowledge and understanding of theatre and the arts in a fun environment gives young people so much more than theatre skills. And while many do go on to work in the arts, many choose to follow different career paths. The common denominator, however, is that they all leave with first rate communication skills and an aptitude for working as part of a team. My own daughter benefitted enormously from being part of CFYT. But while she has chosen to continue her education in the arts, she appreciates too that she gained so much more than a passion for theatre – all that Dale says and then some too.

For Dale, witnessing the positive and significant influence that CFYT has on so many young people as they transition into adulthood is something that gives her huge pleasure and satisfaction.

“And it’s a remarkable feature of our Youth Theatre that, throughout the decades, close bonds and lifelong friendships have been maintained; from individuals who met in youth theatre at the age of 10, to them still being closely connected in their 40s and 50s.”

Today there are eight groups running across the county every week. Offering drama, dance, musical theatre, singing and technical theatre sessions, as well as groups for young people with additional needs, things have certainly come a VERY long way since my involvement.

In its 40th year, and on the eve of opening another festive belter, CFYT has so much to celebrate.

So Happy birthday! And here’s to another fabulous forty years.

Further information and to book for A Boy Called Christmas: www.cft.org.uk

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