Ellesmere College makes National Connections

The College has recently played a leading role in National Connections, one of the world’s largest celebrations of youth theatre. Established 13 years ago, the programme commissions new plays for and about young people from some of the best contemporary playwrights, and enables schools and youth theatres from all over the UK to produce them.

Richard Boswell, Arena Arts Programme Director, took part in the training weekend which launched National Connections 2007 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.  Richard met and took part in workshops with David Farr, the author of Ruckus in the Garden, which he has chosen from the nine new plays on offer this year.  The Ellesmere College Sixth Form cast performed it recently at the School’s Arts Centre.

Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre says:  “Connections has become an indispensable annual programme, blending the extraordinary talent and commitment of thousands of young people and their directors all over the country with the work of some of our leading writers.  The results never fail to excite and inspire everyone who takes part.”

National Connections culminates in July 2007 with a celebratory festival at the National Theatre where 12 companies will be invited to perform.

Ruckus in the Garden by David Farr

Riverdale Comprehensive and St Nectan's Grant Maintained find themselves in the Garden of Cecil Fortescue on a school trip. A ruckus is inevitable, as is customary when these two schools meet. Magic waits amongst the topiary in the form of Cupid, who brings about transformations romantic, revealing and hilarious.

David Farr is Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith where he recently co-adapted and directed Kafka’s Metamorphosis.  He directed The UN Inspector, his own adaptation of Gogol’s The Government Inspector, at the National in 2005.  His other plays include The Nativity (Young Vic), Elton John's Glasses (Watford & West End), Night of the Soul (RSC) and The Queen Must Die for Connections 2003.

The regional element of the National Theatre's Connections programme is supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England.

3rd April 2007  Back to News