Students to perform at National Theatre
Performing arts students from Bedford College
are to appear at the National Theatre, on 2 July, after inspiring
judges from National Theatre Connections in a search for the best
young talent from 200 youth theatre across the country.
National Theatre Connections commission new
plays, giving young people access to the best new writing for
theatre and the chance to take part in a festival of theatrical
talent. Bedford College students have been invited to perform
“Those Legs”, written by acclaimed playwright Noel Clarke.
“Those Legs” is about a group of friends and
how they cope when one of them is injured in an accident, losing
the use of her legs. An intense, psychological drama that
highlights the precarious nature of friendship and young love in
startling close-up.
The rigorous selection process has included
intensive workshop sessions and a number of performances of the
play at Bedford College and Royal Derngate Theatre,
Northampton. The students will perform the play at the
National Theatre in London, home to the best artistic talent
worldwide. It is part of a showcase of 10 plays to be
performed at the National Theatre, in celebration of the talent and
achievement of Connections companies across the country.
Dannie Stone, Advanced Practitioner in
Performing Arts and Music Technology, said:
“This is an incredible achievement and a
reward to know that the work we are doing with the students is
recognised on a professional level. It is a fantastic
opportunity for the students, who all want to continue their
studies at University or Drama School. It is a good
springboard for them to achieve their ambitions.”
Student Charlotte Shearsmith, aged 19 years,
plays central character Georgia who has been injured in an
accident. She says:
“It is amazing that we are to perform at the
National Theatre. We never expected to get this far and to be
given this opportunity in the festival.”
Student Perrie Walker, aged 19 years, plays
Lana and adds:
“I'm overwhelmed and never thought that we
would get this far in the festival. I feel really privileged
to have this opportunity and am especially excited about prospect
of performing in front of the playwright, Noel Clarke.”
“The last time I was at the National Theatre,
I was looking at the stage from a restricted view. I've now
gone from restricted view to the stage!”
Students working on the play include second
year BTEC National Diploma Performing Arts and years one and two
Production Arts students.
Those Legs will be performed by Bedford
College students at the Cottelsoe, National Theatre, on
Saturday 2 July 2011 at 7.00pm. Tickets are on sale now.