National Theatre Connections to Bring Young Artists to The Marlowe Theatre, May 11-13

Young people from across the region will be appearing on two stages at The Marlowe next month as part of National Theatre Connections.

In their theatre groups, they will perform a piece of new work, written especially for young people, from well-known writers, including Catherine Johnson (A Letter to Lacey), Pauline McLynn (Angels), and Evan Placey (Pronoun). Connections celebrates great new writing for the stage - and the energy, commitment and talent of young theatre-makers.

The participants are: The Marlowe Youth Theatre Senior Company, Canterbury, Gulbenkian Youth Theatre, Canterbury, Strood Academy, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Invicta Grammar School, Maidstone, St Catherine's Catholic School, Bexleyheath, St Olave's School, Orpington, Leigh Technology Academy, Dartford, Trinity Youth Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, and Suffolk New College.

The Marlowe was chosen by the National Theatre to be a Connections Partner Venue two years ago, the only presenting theatre ever to have been asked. This year's festival is the biggest yet, with 10 groups taking part over three days.

The NT Connections team has visited all partner venues, including The Marlowe, to select a production of each of the 10 plays for performance at the National in June.

Directed by Daniel Lipman, The Marlowe's Head of Creative Projects, The Marlowe Youth Theatre Senior Company performed their piece, Tomorrow, by Simon Vinnecombe to an invited audience last month.

There will be four performances at The Marlowe on Sunday 11 May, starting at 3pm and three performances each evening on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 May starting at 6pm. For full performance details and to book tickets (which cost just £7 per day), call the Box Office on 01227 787787 or go to marlowetheatre.com.

Pictured: Marlowe Youth Theatre Senior Company members performing Tomorrow.