Written by: Chris Baker
August 2024
Drama students from Plympton Academy who took part in the National Theatre’s Connections Festival were one of 10 schools chosen to perform their plays on the National Theatre’s stage.
The students performed Siân Owen’s The Periodicals in our Drum Theatre as part of the festival back in April. Having impressed the National Theatre, they were asked to travel to London in June, to showcase their performance at one of the country’s most prestigious theatres.
Annually, 250 companies take part in the regional stages of Connections, with only 10 appearing at the National.
The group arrived at stage door at 8.30am and were looked after by staff at the National, who guided them through rehearsals and warm-ups, ahead of their performance to a paying audience that evening.
Joshua, one of the performers, said: “It was such a surreal experience. Other than performing at the Theatre Royal, this was my first real dive into performing in a professional setting.
“It sparked my enjoyment of performing arts and made me realise this is what I’m going to strive for.”
Jo Crook, Director of Performing Arts at Plympton Academy said: “Whilst they had the initial excitement of performing at the National, I think it will take them time, maybe even years, for them to realise just how special that opportunity has been for them.”
Beth Siddall, Project Manager for Young People at Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “Theatre Royal Plymouth are beyond proud to have been represented at the National Theatre by Plympton Academy. We are inspired by these talented young people who are the next generation of theatre makers.”
Find out more about NT Connections: https://theatreroyal.com/take-part/schools-and-colleges/#nt-connections