Connections

Kensington Arts is thrilled to take part in the 2026 National Theatre Connections project; a unique opportunity to perform brand new plays written by some of the UK’s most exciting writers and take your talent to the next level. Each year, Connections brings together creative young people from across the British Isles.

This year, Kensington Arts have chosen the play ‘Fishville’ by Afsaneh Gray. It’s a powerful, sea-soaked story which will be brought to life by the cast, under the direction of David Dawson, with Ben Gale as Assistant Director and Paul Ellison as Technical Manager.

Tickets for FISHVILLE are now available to purhcase HERE.

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Last year’s participants presented RAVERS by Rikki Beadle-Blair. The play follows a group of self-described “neeks” (nerd-geek hybrids) as they plan a ‘dry’ rave to redefine what it means to be cool. They performed at Kensington Arts in March and then at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland in April.

2025 marked 10 years of Kensington Arts’ ongoing involvement with National Theatre Connections. David said: “Looking back as Kensington Arts goes into our 10th year of being a part of this prestigious festival, we have been blessed with incredible opportunities and exciting experiences. In my time directing Connections I have seen young adults grow as performers and as people, finding friends for life and new found confidence in themselves. It has been a wonderful time and I look forward to the next 10 years!”

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Read below a couple of quotes from past participants on their experience of the project:

“My time at Kensington Arts under the National Theatre Connections programme was truly transformative. It not only enhanced my acting skills, pushing me to explore new techniques and characters, but also boosted my confidence; something I’ve carried with me from my school years into adulthood. The experience taught me the value of teamwork, and provided the amazing opportunity to perform both locally and abroad. This fostered my independence and allowed me to witness incredible talent from across the British Isles. Being involved in every aspect of the experience—from set design to sharing directing ideas—made each production all the more enjoyable. I will always be grateful for the experience and the lasting memories, and would recommend the programme to anyone!” – Scarlett

“NT Connections was one of the most enjoyable experiences I had especially during times of stress in school. I provided a safe and lovable place to turn to, where I met great friends and got to experiment and discover what I truly love about Theatre. Inspiring me to continue my study of the subject at University.

The programme is like nothing else and with David Dawson guiding us it allowed hard work while still having fun, something which is hard to come by. I look back on my two years there with laughter as I remember times in the Kensington Arts costume rooms trying on various hats, while getting ready for shows. Or the various road trips to perform in the UK with the conversations never ending. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate and get involved. I believe it is just another part of what makes the arts truly spectacular on the Isle of Man.” – Alice

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