National Theatre Connections is a nationwide celebration of new writing and young theatre talent. Join us for an evening of new plays performed by young theatre groups from across the region.

Alice By Heart by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik
Performed by Flying High Theatre Company
How do we leave childhood behind? How do we close the book?
In the throes of adolescence, determined Alice Parsley convinces her seriously ailing friend Alfred to follow her one last time ‘Down the Hole’ and play White Rabbit to her petticoated heroine. Mad as it all is, there’s so much she still wants from him. And yet, how late it’s getting!
In a world of Mad Hatters, and baffling Mock Alices, a handsome Caterpillar puffs deep on his hookah: ‘Whoooooo are you?’ Alice sighs, ‘If only I knew. The Caterpillar smiles: Oh, don’t I know.
A fresh new rock-musical take on Alice in Wonderland, from the creators of Spring Awakening.

Prince of Denmark by Michael Lesslie
Performed by John Port School
Set a decade before the action of Shakespeare’s play, Michael Lesslie’s imagined prequel follows the teenage Hamlet, Ophelia and Laertes as they rage against the roles handed down by their parents.
Secure in his position as the Danish heir, Hamlet sets his sights on romantic endeavours and the pursuit of the newly arrived Ophelia. Her ambitious brother, Laertes, seizes the opportunity with the hope of enhancing his social standing.
The young characters attempt to balance duty, expectation and adolescence in a world of scheming, ambition and a play within a play.