The group will appear at a flagship National Theatre event
Performing arts students from Wyke College, Hull, have been chosen to appear at the National Theatre’s flagship annual youth theatre festival, Connections(Image: supplied image)
National Theatre has selected Wyke College from Hull to perform in the 2026 Connections Festival, to represent the voices and creativity of young people from all across the UK. Wyke performing arts students will perform The Animals, by Sean Buckley, in the National Theatre’s flagship annual youth theatre festival, on Sunday June 28, at 7pm.
The festival is taking place this year at Lowry in Salford, the first time it has been held outside of London. Wyke first performed their interpretation this spring at York Theatre Royal.
The group was drawn to The Animals for its powerful focus on voices that are often overlooked. Through Connections, the cast has valued the opportunity to work at a national level and to share a story they feel is urgent, relevant, and important for contemporary audiences to hear.
This year’s Connections Festival invites eight youth theatre groups from across the nation to bring their interpretation of new plays, specially commissioned for young people, to Lowry’s Quay Stage. Connections champions the talent of young people across the UK and celebrates the power of youth theatre.
For the past three months, over 5,000 young people from more than 250 companies and schools UK wide have performed at home venues and on one of 33 professional stages across the country. Courtney Nichol, Wyke College director, said: “I am extremely proud of this company and the focus and commitment they have shown throughout the process.
“To represent Hull and perform on a national stage through Connections is a significant achievement and one they should be very proud of. Connections offers an outstanding opportunity for young people to engage with ambitious new writing and to have their voices recognised within the wider theatre community.”
Tazmin Farr, a young participant, said: “Connections has been such an amazing programme to be a part of. Having such a hands-on experience to theatre making, making something that truly felt like it was ours, has been so special.
“Every one of us has been inspired and given a valuable glimpse into what working in the industry can really be like – it’s something that we will carry with us for the rest of our careers.”
Dan Collins, young technician in Year 13, said: “Being in charge of the lighting for The Animals has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much about how technical work shapes a performance and it’s been really exciting to see it all come together on such a big stage.
“Being part of Connections and representing Hull at a national festival is something I’m really proud of.” Tickets for Connections are £5 per performance or £8 for two performances in an evening and are on sale via the Lowry website.
Applications for Connections 2027 are now open on the National Theatre website and close on Monday, June 29.
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