London’s young performers take centre stage in National Theatre Connections 2026

Young people across London are stepping into the spotlight this spring as part of the National Theatre’s flagship youth programme, Connections 2026, a nationwide celebration of emerging theatrical talent.

The annual initiative sees youth theatre groups and schools perform newly commissioned plays, offering thousands of participants the opportunity to experience life on a professional stage. This year, 53 groups from across London are taking part in a series of regional festivals hosted by venues including Artsdepot, Lyric Hammersmith, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Theatre Peckham and Tramshed, with performances running from late March through April and into early May.

Across the UK, the scale of the programme is striking: more than 5,000 young people from 270 companies and schools will perform at 33 partner theatres between 4^th March and 4^th May. Each group begins by staging their production locally before progressing to a regional professional venue – an experience designed to nurture confidence, creativity and collaboration.

Kirsten Adam, Head of Participation at the National Theatre, highlighted the impact of the programme, saying it provides “the opportunity for hundreds of young people… to showcase their talents on their stage,” adding that youth theatre plays a vital role in developing “confidence and self-expression”.

The programme will culminate in the Connections Summer Festival, held at The Lowry in Salford from 25th-28th June, where eight standout groups from across the country will be invited to perform their interpretations of this year’s plays.

With its blend of grassroots participation and professional exposure, Connections 2026 continues to champion the next generation of theatre-makers, placing young voices firmly at the heart of the UK’s cultural landscape.

The editorial unit
Photo: Courtesy of Connections 2026

For further information, visit the theatre’s website here.