Chichester graduates celebrate five-star reviews at Edinburgh Fringe for children's show tackling miscarriage

Five graduates from the University of Chichester are celebrating after their children's theatre production, which explores miscarriage and women's health, received five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The talented group, who formed Cardboard Box Theatre Company, took their production Seasons on a UK tour before performing at the internationally renowned festival, where it was selected for 'The Best of Kids Fringe'.

The company consists of Matthew Williams, Sasha Goldsmith, Indiana Hook, Abby Gibson and Jack Tarrant, who all graduated from the University of Chichester this year after studying acting, contemporary theatre and drama.

Their show began as a third-year university project but has since developed into an acclaimed children's production that uses storytelling, puppetry and imaginative characters to explore the sensitive subject of pregnancy loss.

Matthew Williams, the company's Artistic Director, said the inspiration came from personal experiences within the group's families.

"We decided to focus on miscarriage and women's health, down to personal experience from a few of our families. We would have loved there to be a show that explained to us what was going on."

The original production was performed to fellow students in November last year, receiving an emotional response that encouraged the group to develop the story further.

Recognising the importance of making the subject accessible to younger audiences, the graduates adapted the performance to include more magical elements and gentle metaphors.

The story follows a family of magpies and an unhatched egg, which disappears during the performance, helping children understand loss through imaginative storytelling.

Matthew explained that the group felt the story deserved a wider audience.

"We did not feel we had done the story quite enough justice at that point," says Matthew. "So we said, let's go and tour it."

After launching a fundraising campaign through GoFundMe, the company received additional guidance and resources from the Miscarriage Association.

The group subsequently performed in Winchester, Derbyshire and the Lake District before taking the production to Edinburgh.

During the tour, the company also delivered a workshop with Think 18, a West Sussex charity supporting adults aged 16 to 35 with moderate to severe learning disabilities.

The workshop, supported by the university's ChiTheatreWorks fund, gave participants the opportunity to create their own puppet shows, learn Makaton and perform a song featured in Seasons.

Matthew said the aim was to create a production that could tackle difficult subjects while leaving audiences with a positive experience.

"We managed to create a show that was enjoyable for kids and resonated with people," he says. "The show was about community. For us, that is what the show was about, and we wanted people to leave with a smile on their face even though this is a difficult subject."

The Edinburgh run proved a success, with Seasons receiving four and five-star reviews.

The production was selected for 'The Best of Kids Fringe' at The Three Sisters and became a top-five finalist for Theatre Village's 'Satchel of Dreams' Award.

Review website Broadway Baby described the performance as "a funny, magical and very touching children’s show".

The graduates have also credited the University of Chichester with providing practical experience and opportunities to develop their skills throughout their studies.

Matthew said: "Before we had any proper lessons during Freshers' Week, we were already cast in the first performance piece. Within the first year we had three opportunities to perform in the Showroom."

He added that the university continues to support graduates after they have completed their courses.

"The University aren't just interested in us in the three years we're with them; they invite us back. Having Chichester Festival Theatre over the road is great, as we're not far away from professionals working in the industry. Most of the lecturers are still in the industry."

Dr Jodie Hawkes, Senior Lecturer in Theatre at the University of Chichester, praised the graduates for their creativity and achievements.

"We are incredibly proud of our graduating students from our BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing courses, who continue to create important, meaningful and engaging work. Cardboard Box Theatre Company collaborated throughout their degree, developing work that formed part of one of their final third-year modules. We were delighted to see our graduates making their mark at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, performing, watching and supporting one another’s work, winning awards and working behind the scenes. Their creativity, commitment and contribution to the theatre industry are inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all that they continue to achieve."

Following their success in Edinburgh, Cardboard Box Theatre Company is now preparing for its next production closer to home.

The group will stage a family pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk in Lavant, near Chichester, this December.

The company also hopes to return to the Edinburgh Fringe next year with an improvisational theatre production.

Despite graduating, the five performers are maintaining close connections with the University of Chichester, continuing to work alongside students and fellow graduates within its Conservatoire.

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