Witness the creativity and boundless energy of around 60 performers as they take to the stage in a collection of captivating short excerpts of plays from the National Theatre Connections catalogue. Whether you are drawn to gripping emotional journeys or playful, heartwarming tales, there’s something for everyone in this exciting showcase of plays. Each play has been specifically written for young people to perform after a series of workshops where the writer has worked alongside youth theatre groups to ensure that the plays represent the youth voice.
Flying High Expressive Arts CIC has been involved in the NT Connections project since 2011, so this will be their 15th play staged and directed for an audience locally at the Bonington Theatre before transferring to Derby Theatre in April, 2026. In addition to Derby Theatre, members of the company have performed at Sheffield Crucible and Nottingham Playhouse in the past and have been invited to perform at the National Theatre in London on two occasions.
In 2026, our two Senior Youth Theatre groups will perform excerpts of two past NT Connections plays before our Young Company will premiere our 2026 National Theatre Connections Play:
‘The Sycamore Gap’ by Al Smith
The sycamore tree at ‘Sycamore Gap’ on Hadrian’s Wall has been felled! Twelve members of the school’s eco-club are questioned by police.
Who could have done something so monstrous and why? The investigation leads the twelve to some interesting discoveries about identity and life.
The Bonington
