Fishville Tickets – on sale now

This March, Kensington Arts presents Fishville by Afsaneh Gray, a haunting, high-stakes mystery performed by a talented cast of young actors aged 15-19.

Set in a decaying coastal town, Fishville begins when a boy named Jared walks into the sea and never returns. Days later, a severed foot washes ashore, and strange online messages supposedly from Jared begin to circulate. As rumours grow of an underwater community beneath the waves, two girls set out to uncover the truth, before the town’s fear and mythology claim another victim.

Blending suspense with sharp social commentary, Fishville explores identity, belonging, and the uneasy threshold between childhood and adulthood. Atmospheric, unsettling, and darkly compelling, the play challenges audiences to question what they think they know, and who they choose to believe.

Emma Goodson, Creative Development Co-ordinator at Kensington Arts, said: “Connections is known for staging bold, thought-provoking theatre for young people, and Fishville is a powerful example of that. Our cast and creative team have made this story their own, and audiences can expect an intense, immersive performance full of intrigue.”

Kensington Arts (formerly the Youth Arts Centre) has proudly taken part in National Theatre Connections for over a decade, inspiring hundreds of young Manx performers along the way.

Now in its 31st year, Connections is widely regarded as the world’s largest youth theatre festival. Each year, the National Theatre commissions ten new plays for young people, working with over 250 youth companies and more than 6,000 performers across the British Isles. Many Kensington Arts alumni have gone on to drama school, signed with leading London agents, become Manx Youth Bards, and even secured roles in acclaimed TV productions such as Heartstopper.

Show Director David Dawson said: “Connections has become an essential platform for nurturing young talent on the Island. It builds confidence, sharpens skills, and gives performers the opportunity to share their work with wider audiences. I’m incredibly excited to help bring this year’s story to life.”

Arts Development Manager Jim Rawson added: “Being selected for National Theatre Connections is both a privilege and a challenge. It allows young Manx performers to deliver bold, hard-hitting theatre on a national stage while developing confidence, creativity, and professional skills.”

Following around 20 weeks of rehearsals, Kensington Arts will present a Home Performance attended by a National Theatre mentor director. The production will then travel to the Partner Theatre Festival at the iconic Blackpool Grand Theatre in April, with the potential to be invited to the prestigious Connections Summer Festival at the National Theatre in London.

Performance Details:
Venue: Kensington Arts Theatre
Dates:  Saturday 28^th March: 4pm, Saturday 28^th March: 7pm and Sunday 29^th March: 7pm.

Tickets: Tickets are now available for purchase online – https://kensingtonarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873682874