From Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April 2026, Derby Theatre will host performances from: Allestree Woodlands School, Burton & South Derbyshire College, Inspire Coventry College, Flying High, Sydney Stringer Academy and Derby Theatre’s own Connections Youth Theatre.
Derby Theatre is one of 33 theatres across the UK championing the voices and talent of local young people with over 5,000 participants from 270 companies and schools having the chance to perform on professional stages. Regional festivals will take place at partner theatres nationwide from 4 March to 4 May, with the groups performing at a local venue first.
To celebrate the vast range of talent on display nationwide this spring, eight youth theatre groups will be invited to perform their version of one of this year’s plays at the Connections Festival held at the Lowry, Salford from 25-28 June.
Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director and CEO at Derby Theatre said: “In Derby Theatre’s 50th year we are delighted to be welcoming the Connections Festival back for their 30th Birthday! We really enjoy making the Connections Festival a real young person’s takeover of the whole building both onstage and off and I know our DT Ambassadors have been planning an exciting week for young people and groups from across the region to get involved. Audiences can enjoy some fresh new writing by some of the leading writers in the country performed by some of the best young actors in our region.”
Harry Kingscott, Young Artist and Participation Producer at Derby Theatre said: “Connections Festival is so unique – it’s a theatre festival by and for young people. All the performances are by groups from the surrounding area, the festival is organised and hosted by our Young Ambassadors, behind the scenes the stage is being operated and managed by our Technical Training young people. Not only that, but the plays we have this year are really fresh and exciting, from some great playwrights – I can’t wait to watch! If you want to see the next generation of theatre – don’t miss out!”
Kirsten Adam, Head of Participation at the National Theatre, said: “We are so excited to have Derby Theatre taking part in this year’s National Theatre Connections, providing the opportunity for hundreds of young people from across the area to showcase their talents on their stage. Youth theatre is a foundation stone in young people’s development, allowing them to build their understanding of the world and develop key skills such as confidence and self-expression. We cannot wait to see this year’s participants’ imagination and creativity flourish during this year’s Connections festivals.”
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For more information and NT CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL updates, visit the Derby Theatre website here: NT Connections Festival 2026 – Derby Theatre, visit the National Theatre Website, or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – @derbytheatre).
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About the National Theatre
The National Theatre makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. The National Theatre shares unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on its own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home.
World-leading artists make their best work at the National Theatre with the widest possible audience and impact. The National Theatre invests in talent and innovation on stage and off, taking seriously its role as the nation’s theatre. Of the new productions developed each year with a wide range of theatre companies, a third of that research and development resource is dedicated to shows staged at theatres outside London.
Through touring our work to local theatres and schools and nationwide education and community programmes, we are active in every local authority in the UK. A registered charity with deeply embedded social purpose, the National Theatre works with hundreds of schools and communities across the UK to fire imagination and inspire creativity, and to develop skills and pathways for careers in theatre.
For more information, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk
With Thanks
Connections is supported by The Mohn Westlake Foundation, Buffini Chao Foundation, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Delta Air Lines, The EBM Charitable Trust, Katie Bradford Arts Trust, Susan Miller & Byron Grote, Colwinston Charitable Trust, Mulberry Trust, Tuixen Foundation, and The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust.
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
Nationwide Learning is also supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Hearn Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, The Ingram Trust, Tina Alexandrou, Crevan O’Grady & Jane McClenahan, The Constance Travis Charitable Trust, Delta Air Lines, The Alchemy Foundation, The Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement, Tioc Foundation, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, The Archie Sherman Charitable Trust, and The Kartik Foundation.