AN award-winning theatre group in Ellesmere Port is one of only ten groups chosen across the UK to work hand-in-hand with the National Theatre and film their adaptation of a brand new youth play.

The Boaty Theatre Company's 'Young Theatre Makers' were selected to take part in the Connections 2021 digital Youth Drama Festival alongside 3,200 other young people.

Every year National Theatre commissions ten new plays for young people – aged 13-19 years – from some of the UK’s most prestigious playwrights, bringing new writing and the theatre-makers of tomorrow together now.

Of all those taking part in the festival, 10 companies are selected to represent each of the new plays in the NT Connections Festival showcase.

In previous years, this showcasing of the plays has taken place in London, at National Theatre itself, with the young people from all over the country coming together and performing in the internationally-renowned venue.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, performing at National Theatre was not going be possible.

Instead, the NT Connections Team, along with their partner film company – Chocolate Films – organised to meet with each of the 10 companies to film the performances in their own locality.

On Saturday, members of National Theatre and Chocolate Films made their way to Ellesmere Port and filmed the young performers at The Boat Shed Creative Community Hub – home of The Boaty Theatre Company.

Charlotte Graves, a Trustee for The Boaty Theatre Company, who has also worked with the group, said, “The group of young performers who have come together over the last year have had it tough to say the least.

"They began rehearsals for Look Up online, not knowing when or if they would ever be able to meet in a proper rehearsal room."

Artistic Director for The Boaty Theatre Company, Laura J Harris, added: “All of the team have worked incredibly hard and, as a group these young performers have really pulled together and helped and encouraged another so very much.

"I couldn’t be prouder of them and all that they have managed to achieve. Especially in year such as this one!”

Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning at the National Theatre said: “We have been so inspired this year by the resilience and creativity of students and youth theatres participating in Connections and the brilliant performances - whether digital or on a stage - by thousands of young people taking place right across the UK are a testament to this.

"We are excited to showcase these ten productions to demonstrate the collective innovation and imagination of this year’s participants, and hope to inspire more young people in the art of theatre-making."

Following their initial live-streamed performance in April 2021, The Boaty Young Theatre Makers went on to perform as part of Sheffield Theatre’s leg of the NT Connections Festival and also enjoyed a weekend of drama and storytelling workshops before their second performance of Look Up was broadcast via Sheffield Theatre’s YouTube page.

The Boaty Theatre Company, who specialise in creating engaging theatre for young people and families as well as working with professional actors, technicians, creatives and production artists to provide opportunities, experience and training within the performing arts industry have received acclamations and awards for their positive impact on mental health and well-being.

To add to the good news, The Boat Shed is now also a registered Arts Award centre.

This means that if they are selected to take part in the Connections Festival again next year, the youngsters who join them on this journey will be able to gain up to a level 3 qualification whilst taking part.

The team can facilitate and adjudicate for Adventurer, Bronze, Silver and Gold level Arts Awards programmes at The Boat Shed meaning that young people from tots-to-teens can confidently gain regulated and accredited training and opportunities in Ellesmere Port.