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The nationwide youth theatre festival champions the talent of young people aged 13-19 from across the UK. Over 7,500 young people from 250 youth drama companies have taken part this year, performing ten specially commissioned plays at one of 33 leading partner theatres of which the Royal and Derngate is one. The cast of Wykham Park Academy’s production, ‘Orchestra’ by Charlie Josephine, included students from years 9, 10 and 12 from both Wykham Park and its sister school Futures Institute, and was supported by two student technicians.

It was the first time the schools have participated in the festival. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Banbury Guardian, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you. Head of Performing Arts, Elise Delancy, is delighted with the impact participation in the festival has had: “Performing new work for the National Theatre has really motivated our students.



The chance to work with professional directors and technicians has given them an insight into the realities of working life in the theatre industry and exposed them to some great new writing.” Preparation of their production began in earnest at the beginning of the year and included workshops supported by National Theatre staff. “For our technicians, who are in Years 9 and 10, it was something of a baptism of fire,” laughs Elise.

“Their first show and it’s staged at a beautiful, Victorian theatre! We are very grateful to.

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