The Courtyard Intermediate’s ‘Connections’ Journey

This term the Courtyard Intermediate Youth Theatre group have been working hard on a piece of new writing by Al Smith as part of the National Theatre’s Connections 2026 project.

The project sees youth groups across the country choose and perform one of eight new works written specifically for young people. Training at the National Theatre for directors and insights with an NT mentor got the group off to a fantastic start. The play, ‘Sycamore Gap’ explores the lopping of the tree in hilarious ‘murder-mystery’ style alongside exploring more serious key themes of loss. With an Intermediate group that is exceptionally talented both in naturalism and character acting, the choice to do such a quirky and shrewdly observed piece was easy to make.

In early March they performed the show for the first time in the Courtyard’s Studio Theatre, to great praise from audience members. They then had a quick four weeks to up-size the show ready for the stage at the Worcester Swan Theatre. A full day there over the Easter holidays was the culmination of all of their hard work.

We started the tech early in the day and had a morning slot of 10.30 to perform to audience members and other Connections participants. The group absolutely flourished on the bigger stage, treating everyone to a dynamic, energy-driven, light and shade piece. The characters shone and the feedback from the audience and watching industry professionals was outstanding. One of the loveliest surprises of the day was seeing that the writer had unexpectedly come to watch with his family. His feedback was incredibly touching and the students had a quick Q and A with him afterwards.

The rest of the day was jam-packed as well. The students had workshops on devising and movement, led by industry professionals, and we were also able to watch two further Connections pieces being performed by local groups. After a long and joyous day, there was time to relax with some karaoke before heading back to Hereford.

The day was certainly one to remember and, as ever, seeing our youth theatre thrive with such an opportunity was a real privilege. The benefit they gained from every aspect of the process was huge and, as ever, they did us all proud!

We are already in the process of applying for the project again next year, and even hope to take two groups.

Watch this space!