Huge congratulations for the Year 1 BTEC Performing Arts – Acting students this term for their National Theatre Connections production of “The Periodicals” at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.
This is the College’s first year taking part in the programme that sees young performers across the UK create productions of new plays commissioned by the National Theatre.
The play “The Periodicals” by Sian Owen, is set in a dystopian future, not too far from our own world, The Periodicals follows a group of young people living outside of society. Determined not to be sent back to school, the Periodicals form their own alternative community. Exploring issues important to our young people today – from mental health and friendship to the importance of having their voices heard.
The production was attended by the writer of the play, Sian Owen (Under Milkwood, National Theatre; Land Of My Father & Another Place, BBC Radio 4), who was so thrilled with the students’ interpretation of her play and (she wouldn’t mind me saying) was moved to tears by their work.
We also had representatives from the National Theatre attend the show, who along with staff from Trinity Theatre, were all highly impressed with the production, professionalism and behaviour of our students.
The performers worked together as an ensemble beautifully and told the story with great flair and generosity. The students conducted themselves brilliantly, brimming with professionalism and an unforgettable performance to a full house. In addition, a 2nd year student Ruben Spink, designed the lighting, programmed and ran the technical production (so successfully that the venue used them to support a number of other shows in the connections programme).
All of our students were outstanding ambassadors for the creativity, dedication and communal spirit that Varndean College fosters so well.
A huge thanks and congratulations, once again, to all involved.
