Shimna students London bound for National Theatre performance

Shimna students London bound for National Theatre performance

24 May 2023

THREE students at Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle will be going on stage in London next month.

Aurora Milligan, Jana Pobloth and Sophie Waddell have been chosen to perform at the National Theatre Festival.

The girls will be joined by fellow members of the Crescent Arts Youth Theatre in Belfast.

Their production, ‘Strangers Like Me’, was selected from a pool of 300 arts groups across the UK to perform at the National Theatre on Saturday, June 24.

It’s the first time in 25 years that a Northern Ireland has been chosen to take part in the prestigious event for the past 25 years. 

The National Theatre's Connections programme serves as a nationwide youth theatre festival, granting youth groups the opportunity to stage new plays written for young audiences.  

Each year, the Connections team, along with mentor directors and writers, selects the companies that will perform at the National Theatre Festival.

They evaluate cast performance elements such as clarity, audibility, storytelling, conviction, and energy.

The event holds special significance for Aurora and her family.

The last time the Connections National Theatre programme was awarded to a Northern Ireland company, her father, Ciaran, and uncle, Brian, were part of that very company.  

Dad Ciaran is delighted at seeing his daughter follow in his footsteps 25 years later.

“The opportunity to perform at the National Theatre cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“To perform in front of a sold-out audience, filled with fans, industry professionals, and even celebrities, is an experience of a lifetime.

“Aurora and the rest of the cast are in for an unforgettable journey. As a father, I couldn’t be prouder.” 

Aurora said: ”I am incredibly excited to be heading to London. The sold-out shows in Belfast were so much fun, but bringing our play to a wider audience will be truly awesome.

“Also, to be able to share this experience with my dad, who lived this same experience 25 years before me, is something I know we will both treasure forever.”

Jana said she too was thrilled about the opportunity to go to London.

“With all expenses covered and the added excitement of treading the same boards as some of the world’s most famous performers, I can't wait,” she remarked. 

Sophie said: To showcase our hard work on such a renowned stage, and for this to happen once I’ve completed my GCSE exams is unbelievable.

“The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation's involvement in this opportunity is remarkable too. Who knows, maybe he will show up and witness our performance.”

Steve Peden, principal of Shimna Integrated College, said: “This opportunity is testament to our students’ exceptional talent and dedication. It’s great that they get to showcase their stagecraft at a world-renowned theatre.”