Glasgow and Lanarkshire to perform at National Theatre event

Glasgow Times

5 days ago

The Glasgow Acting Academy and Hamilton District Youth Theatre are among 10 groups chosen for the National Theatre Connections Festival.
This event celebrates the reopening of the Dorfman Theatre in London, which has been shut since November 2024 for government-funded refurbishments.
Hamilton District Youth Theatre (Image: Supplied)
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The Connections Festival is a cornerstone of the National Theatre, celebrated annually to champion young UK talent and the power of youth theatre.
In its 30th year, more than 5,000 youngsters from more than 270 companies and schools have performed at home venues and 33 professional stages throughout the country.
The Hamilton District Youth Theatre, which marked its 35th anniversary last year, will perform The Company of Trees by Jane Bodie on June 25.
Glasgow Acting Academy, a charity committed to making performing arts accessible to all, will take the stage with No Regrets by Gary McNair on June 27.
Clare Ryan, director of the Hamilton District Youth Theatre, said: "Connections has been an unforgettable experience.
"Personally, it's given me the opportunity to develop so many valuable skills, and the level of support throughout has been outstanding."
Elsa Tinney, a young participant from Hamilton District Youth Theatre, added: 'Connections has been a fantastic experience.
As a small Scottish company, representation on the National's stage is incredibly valuable for us, and this opportunity is one we are extremely grateful for.
"We have all made lifelong friendships and become so much closer throughout this process.
"Connections is a wonderful creation for young people across the country which we would highly recommend."
Maddie Grieve, director of Glasgow Acting Academy, said: "Connections has given our young performers a creative playground where they've tackled new writing with energy, collaborated as an ensemble, discovered their own voices, and created something truly special.
"They've worked so hard, and being selected is an incredible recognition of their talent, dedication, and passion for theatre.'
Louis, 18, a participant with Glasgow Acting Academy, said 'National Theatre Connections has provided me with valuable, transferable skills that I will be able to use wherever my future takes me.
"I've made life-long friends and it has proven to be an unforgettable experience'
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Indhu Rubasingham, director and co-chief executive of the National Theatre, said: "I am really pleased to welcome 10 youth groups from all corners of the UK to the NT for this landmark anniversary festival of Connections.
"Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power of theatre-making."
"I look forward to celebrating the extraordinary energy and creative vision these young performers will bring to our stages this June.'
The Connections Festival has offered 125,000 young people across the UK hands-on experience in all aspects of staging and performing new plays over its 30 years.
Tickets for the shows, priced at £5 per performance or £8 for two performances in one evening, will be available for purchase from May 20, with all performances offering captions.
The festival also invites applications for its 2026 event, which will be held at the Lowry in Salford, aiming to reach a wider audience across the UK.