Young performers set for national theatre festival

Hundreds of young performers will take to the stage at a theatre in the county as part of a national festival.

The Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton will host 16 schools and youth groups at this year's National Theatre Connections Festival.

The participating local organisations include Kettering Science Academy, Wollaston School Theatre Company, Kingsthorpe College, and Pegasus Performing Arts in Corby.

Jo Gordon, chief executive at the Royal & Derngate, said: "It's a great opportunity for young people from across the region to work on some exciting new plays, and to come together to perform and take part in workshops, and meet kindred spirits."

The event, which is now in its 30th year, celebrates young people's engagement with theatre and the arts.

Each year, the National Theatre commissions a collection of new plays written for young performers, providing a platform for emerging talent and fresh storytelling.

Featured plays this year include Brain Play by Chloë Lawrence-Taylor and Paul Sirett, YOU 2.0 by Alys Metcalf, Fresh Air by Vickie Donoghue, No Regrets by Gary McNair, and The Company of Trees by Jane Bodie.

As part of the festival, the theatre's Young Company will stage a revival of Saba's Swim by Danusia Samal - a drama about a group of young people striving to do something about growing injustices in the world, after their friend's sudden disappearance.

Ms Gordon added: "It's always wonderful to have so many young people in the building for this fantastic annual event and the atmosphere in the building for the week is incredible."

The National Theatre Connections Festival 2025 at Royal & Derngate runs from 31 March to 6 April.

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