The National Theatre is reopening its Dorfman Theatre after extensive government-funded capital works, and it is doing so in style. The highly anticipated National Theatre Connections Festival will run from 24th to 28th June 2025, spotlighting youth theatre groups from across the UK as they perform ten plays specially commissioned for the festival’s 30th anniversary.
Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power of theatre-making
Connections, the National Theatre’s annual nationwide youth theatre festival, has spent the past three months showcasing over 5,000 young people from more than 270 companies and schools. Now, ten groups have been selected to take their productions to the stage at the National Theatre, including performances by youth theatres from London, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Belfast, Glasgow, Ramsgate, and Cardiff.
Each night of the festival will feature two performances, ranging from the exuberant comedy Ravers by Rikki Beadle-Blair to the poignant Their Name is Joy by May Sumbwanyambe. Audiences will see emerging young talent take centre stage as the National Theatre’s festival continues its legacy of providing a platform for youth theatre for three decades.
Indhu Rubasingham, Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, emphasised the importance of the event, stating, "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."
Tickets for the festival go on sale on Tuesday, 20th May, with all performances captioned to ensure accessibility for all audiences. For further information and booking details, visit the National Theatre’s website.
