Worcester Theatres’ Young Rep Company begin rehearsing for NT Connections 2023!
23 January 2023
The Worcester Theatres’ Young Rep are kicking off 2023 with a bang as they begin rehearsals for their upcoming run of Samphire in March. Written by Shamser Sinha, Samphire is one of 10 plays chosen for this year’s NT Connections festival. NT Connections is a popular and exciting youth theatre festival organised by the National Theatre each year, with thousands of young people taking part and performing in theatres across the country.
After their successful run of Hunt at the Swan Theatre as part of last year’s festival, followed by a performance at the Sherman Theatre (Cardiff), the Young Rep are eager to return with Samphire for NT Connections 2023.
Young Rep Artistic Director, Owen Harper said
“Formulating into words the significance and complexities of this play wouldn’t do it justice, instead I implore you to see it for yourself. Samphire by Shamser Sinha is fast-paced, direct and full of magical realism exploring themes around neurodivergence, racism and past mistakes … oh, and there are several dogs involved! I feel very privileged to be working with our incredibly talented Young Rep once again, their dedication to this performance has been inspiring and I know the end result will be meaningful and captivating.”.
Samphire is a compelling coming-of-age tale that follows the story of a young couple, Alicia and Jake, the former who lives in a children’s home and the latter a shed. Jake also shares his affection with another - his dog Luna, a loyal pet who is a key part of Jake and Alicia’s operation… being a bit short on cash the pair have resorted to robbing local farms to keep themselves fed. But when they make the mistake of stealing the wrong piglet, their loyalty to each other comes into question and suddenly their hopes and dreams are in danger. Can their friends be trusted, or are they foes in disguise? You’ll have to head to the Swan Theatre to find out!
National Theatre Associate & Connections Dramaturg, Ola Animashawun had this to say about Samphire
"This is a double espresso of a play - it is dark, strong, and stimulating.".
Samphire will be staged at the Swan Theatre from Thu 9 until Sat 11 March, with evening performances and a Saturday matinee. We can’t wait to see this dark and intriguing story come to life and are wishing the Young Rep the best of luck with their second NT Connections run.