This past Tuesday, 16th April, marked a significant milestone for the Artz Centre, as eight of our talented senior students embarked on a journey from Skelmersdale to the illustrious Blackpool Grand Theatre. This was no ordinary trip; it was a moment of pride and excitement, as these young performers aged between 13 and 17 years took the stage at one of the most revered venues in the UK.
Their participation in the National Theatre Connections festival—a prestigious platform 29 years old that celebrates young talent by showcasing new and original plays—was a historic occasion for our centre. Not only was it our inaugural involvement in this national recognised festival, but it also set a remarkable precedent for the potential and prowess of our students.
The play chosen for this grand debut was “Kiss, Marry, Push Off Cliff,” a piece written by Josh Azouz that combines angst, drama, and the raw emotions that often accompany adolescence. The selection of this play was strategic, aimed at providing more straight drama and play performance projects, expanding our offerings beyond the musical theatre.
As a part of the programme, this young cast performed the play a total of three times to live audiences. Twice in March at Lathom High School before going through a month of revisions and reworks to be as polished as possible before hitting the stage in the 130 year old Grand Theatre Blackpool. In its debut, the play received praise for the strength of its cast: “you worked ever so well as a team and the results were there for all to see!” in a review by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. You can read the full review here.
Joe Howard, the Artistic Director of the Artz Centre, shared his thoughts about the event: “I was absolutely filled with so much pride for our eight young people: Ben, Abi, Daisy, Minnie, Rosie, Lexi, Emily, and Zara. Their dedication and passion were palpable, lighting up the stage and gripping the audience.”
Behind the scenes, the preparation was intense. From early morning rehearsals over the April half term to late-night discussions on character development and stage directions on Monday nights at our Upholland Artz Centre. Photos and videos from these moments, shared on our social media, capture the hard work and camaraderie that defined this journey.
To her cast mates and about the project, one participant said:
“Guys just gonna say well done to everyone I’m gonna miss this show and this cast!! We’ve all got so much closer together.”
This milestone is not just about the firsts that came with it but also about setting a foundation for future generations of Artz Centre performers. We are incredibly proud of our pioneers who have laid down a path of excellence and passion. This experience has undoubtedly ignited a fire within them and within their peers to continue to be the best version of themselves both on and off stage.
As we continue to reflect on this landmark event, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our community, the dedication of our staff, and the bravery of our students. The Artz Centre is more than just a place to learn; it’s a place where young people can learn, explore, and achieve. Here’s to many more years of making theatrical dreams come true, and to the next generation of performers who will follow in these inspiring footsteps. Already the wheels are in motion for next years National Theatre Connections programme, a particularly momentous event, as the National Theatre will be celebrating 30 years of Connections. We cannot wait to be apart of a truly remarkable moment in youth theatre history.
We invite you to stay tuned to our blog and social media channels as we continue to share more about our students’ journeys and upcoming performances. The stage is set next for Artz Seniors to head all the way to the Kingdom of Duloc as they bring Shrek Jr the musical to stage in May at Lathom High School. you can get your tickets at: www.artzcentre.co.uk/tickets
