HOME Young Company to perform at Connections Festival 2025
Now in its 30th year, the National Theatre’s Connections Festival returns this April with a vibrant celebration of youth theatre, and we’re thrilled to once again be one of its host venues.
Over three exciting nights from Thu 24 - Sat 26 Apr, HOME will showcase performances by talented young people from across Greater Manchester, including schools, colleges, and youth theatres.
At the heart of Connections Festival is the commissioning of 10 brand-new plays by leading UK playwrights, written especially for young performers. The festival highlights the power and potential of emerging voices but also champions the importance of access to the arts for all.
We are especially proud to present a new production by our very own HOME Young Company, who will be closing out the festival on Sat 26 April with their unique take on Ravers, one of this year’s commissioned scripts.
Written by Rikki Beadle-Blair, Ravers follows a rag-tag group of self-described “neeks” (nerds and geeks) who meet at midnight in a park to hold a “dry rave”, no drink, no drugs, just music and movement. Their mission? To redefine what it means to be cool. But will they succeed in sparking a new kind of cultural uprising, or will the powers-that-be shut them down?
This year, Ravers will be staged three different ways over the festival weekend, first by Winstanley College, then by M6 Theatre Company, and finally by our HOME Young Company. Each production promises a fresh interpretation of the script, with HOME Young Company’s version deeply rooted in the legacy of Manchester’s rave culture.
With the legendary Hacienda just a few minutes’ walk from HOME, and now redeveloped into flats, our young performers have drawn inspiration from the club’s historic transformation, reimagining it as a symbol within their world of Ravers.
Rehearsals for this project have been full of energy, curiosity and creativity. One of the standout moments in the process was a workshop led by the incredible Squire Stage Combat, giving our performers new tools for physical storytelling. These skills have been integrated into the production, adding dynamic new layers to their performance.
For our Young Company, Connections is more than just an opportunity to perform, it's a chance to collaborate, take creative risks, and tell stories that resonate with their generation.
Join us for a thrilling weekend of theatre made by and for young people. From big ideas to bold staging, Connections Festival 2025 is a celebration of everything youth theatre can be. Whether you are supporting a friend, discovering future stars, or just looking for something fresh and exciting, we can’t wait to welcome you.
A big congratulations to Sam Beagley, our amazing Creative Engagement Theatre Practitioner, for guiding and inspiring the journey every step of the way.
And finally, a huge break a leg to our brilliant HOME Young Company. We are so proud of everything you’ve created and can’t wait to see you light up the stage this weekend!