NT Connections – From One Seaside Town to the Next

National Theatre Connections 2026  

Young Manx Actors Take on Seaside Mystery at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre 

Following a successful run of shows at Kensington Arts, our group of young aspiring performers recently took to the main stage at Blackpool’s iconic Grand Theatre with their production of Fishville, as part of the 2026 National Theatre Connections programme. 

Blending suspense with sharp social commentary, Fishville is a gripping seaside mystery that explores themes of identity, coming of age, and modern mythology. The production was performed and produced by a talented group of Manx actors and technicians aged 15–19. 

Set in a decaying coastal town, Fishville follows two young women as they attempt to uncover the mystery of Jared, a boy who vanishes while swimming in the bay. As the story unfolds, the play weaves tension and intrigue with imaginative storytelling techniques. 

The production in Blackpool featured a company of 14 actors and 2 technicians, who brought the piece to life through a creative blend of contemporary movement, film projection, inventive use of props, sound design, and shifting perspectives. Their hard work paid off with a memorable moment, when they discovered that the play’s writer, Afsaneh Gray, was in the audience. Both Afsaneh Gray and National Theatre mentors praised the group for their bold and thoughtful interpretation, highlighting their creativity and collaborative spirit. 

In preparation for their festival performance, the group were given a unique opportunity closer to home. During a special rehearsal, they stepped out of their comfort zone and onto the stage of the historic Gaiety Theatre in Douglas. Performing in the Gaiety’s 800-seat auditorium—compared to Kensington Arts Theatre’s 130 seats—gave the cast a valuable insight into the scale and demands of larger venues, particularly in terms of projection and movement. In a fitting connection, both the Gaiety Theatre and Blackpool Grand were designed by renowned Victorian architect Frank Matcham, adding a poetic sense of continuity to the group’s journey. 

Director David Dawson said: 

“We were thrilled to complete our 2025/26 National Theatre Connections year with a performance at The Grand in Blackpool. The cast were superb in what was an outstanding show, with the set, lighting and costumes all working beautifully on the larger stage, and the actors performing at their very best. Our technical crew were put to the test and rose to every challenge, creating a visually and audibly professional production. 

It was an excellent opportunity for our island’s young talent to put the Isle of Man on the map, and it was clear how much they enjoyed performing Fishville. We are extremely grateful to the National Theatre for running this festival and look forward to next year’s new play choices.” 

Should the group progress to the next stage of the programme, they will be invited to perform at the prestigious National Theatre Connections Summer Festival in London—an achievement they have previously reached in 2022, when they performed Hunt by Fionnuala Kennedy.  

The production team would also like to extend their sincere thanks to the Isle of Man Arts Council for their generous financial support, which helped make travel and accommodation for the Blackpool performance possible. 

You can read more about the National Theatre Connections programme HERE.

Image (above): KA’s Fishville performance at Blackpool Grand Theatre, April 2026

Image (below): KA’s cast, crew and team of Fishville at Blackpool Grand Theatre. Featuring play write, Afsaneh Gray (centre), April 2026