Eight SW groups take part in annual national event
Ten south west schools, colleges and theatre groups are performing on Plymouth Theatre Royal’s Drum stage as the venue hosts the regional National Theatre Connections’ Festival.
More than 5,000 young people from more than 270 companies and schools are taking part in an event which has seen more than 125,000 people exploring theatre production over the past three decades of the festival.
Esteemed alumni include: David Oyelowo, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Callum Scott Howells and Keira Knightley.
Ten plays are commissioned by National Theatre Connections each year for young people to perform. They explore the key issues that are shaping young people’s lives today, including the promotion of hope, insight, courage, and community.
‘We are delighted to be celebrating the landmark 30th anniversary of National Theatre Connections with theatres across the UK,’ explains Kirsten Adam, Head of Young People’s Programmes at the National Theatre.
‘Whether this is the first rung on the ladder to a glittering career on the stage, or the mechanism that builds confidence in a young person to go on and embrace challenges later in life, youth theatre is the foundation that allows young people to flourish and develop.’
‘We can’t wait to witness the talent and creativity that these groups will bring both on and off stage this spring.’
Participants have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of the theatre making process both on and off stage, including costume, lighting and set design, and learn about the many skills and roles involved in theatre.
Helping to ‘nurture this emerging, young talent’
Following the festival, ten groups from across the UK will be invited to perform their version of one of this year’s plays at the National Theatre in as part of a finale for this year’s festival.
‘We’re thrilled to once again host the NT Connections Festival in our Drum theatre,’ says Janette Owen, NT Connections Project Manager at Theatre Royal Plymouth.
‘It’s such a privilege to welcome local schools and theatre groups to our performance space and watch them thrive in front of a live audience.’
‘The shows are open to the general public so it’s an immense experience not only for the participants, but also the audience who get to be a part of this celebration, and help nurture this emerging, young talent.’
The event is taking place in The Drum from 29 April – 03 May 2025 with performances from: Atlantic Coast Theatre Co., The Mullion Collective, Callywith College, Plympton Academy Company, Lipson Co-operative Academy, Coombe Dean School, Fowey River Academy, Bodmin College, Penzance Young People’s Theatre and Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Young Company.
TRP’s Young Company will be performing its rendition of No Regrets at the state-of-the-art performing arts centre, The House, at the University of Plymouth on 12 April.
Tickets for all performances in The Drum are available now and cost £8. Breaktime News has previously reported on a number of community based ventures provided by TRP, including a pop-up children’s library.
