Young talent in national theatrical celebration

They will join local schools and youth theatre groups performing new plays from emerging playwrights as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival 2017 at the Crucible Studio Theatre from March 27-April 1.

Sheffield Theatres’ assistant director George Richmond-Scott leads a team of 12 young Sheffield People’s Theatre members in universal coming-of-age story Musical Differences on Monday, March 27.

Written by co-creator of BBC’s Cuckoo - Robin French - the play explores impossible love affairs and brutal school politics, and uncovers the price we are willing to pay for success.

Other organisations involved in the festival are West Yorkshire Drama Academy, The King’s School, Hinde House School, Rotherham College, Unlimited Theatre, Something Wicked This Way Comes (Talbot Specialist School), Flame Theatre Company, Yew Tree Youth Theatre, CAPA College, Castleford Academy and First Floor.

Connections is the National Theatre’s annual festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools. It gives young people experience of professional theatre-making which mirrors that of a company producing a new play. Sheffield Theatres will be showing nine plays from emerging playwrights, including Sheffield-based Tim Etchells, which will be performed by 12 local schools and groups.

Emily Hutchinson, creative projects manager at Sheffield Theatres commented: “We’re thrilled to be working with such talented and enthusiastic young people as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival once again. The Connections Festival is a brilliant way to get the younger generation involved in the arts, and that’s something we are really passionate about at Sheffield Theatres. Some of our young members have grown up performing with Sheffield People’s Theatre and it’s a real privilege to be part of their journey.”

Tickets for the National Theatre Connections Festival are on sale now from Sheffield Theatres’ box office, priced at £6 a night. Call 0114 249 6000 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk to book.

ENDS

Photo by Mark Douet