Kirkgate Youth Theatre has been selected to take part in the National Theatre Connections and will perform ‘The IT’ at Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth on February 9.

The IT is a darkly comic play by award-winning writer Vivienne Franzmann, looking at the pressures facing young people today. It is one of ten plays written especially for NT Connections by a selection of the best playwrights in the UK.

Grace has something growing inside her. She doesn’t know what it is, but she knows it’s not a baby. No one must know about it. But she can’t contain it forever, sooner or later something’s got to give.

Kirkgate Youth Theatre Leader Letitia Thornton said: “It’s a brilliant play, and a real challenge for the young actors, but they’re really rising to it, and it’ll be an exciting experience for the audience.”

The play is suitable for ages 12 and above. Tickets are £4 (£2 with concessions) available from www.kirkgatearts.org.uk.

They will also perform the play at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake on March 17.

National Theatre Connections is one of the UK’s largest celebrations of youth theatre. Plays are commissioned for and about young people, from some of the best contemporary playwrights, and performed by schools and youth theatres all over the UK and Ireland. Young people have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of creating and staging the play both on and offstage, from set design to costume, lighting and stage management.

In 2020, National Theatre Connections is working with up to 300 youth theatres and schools to stage ten commissioned plays.

Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, said: “Connections is at the heart of the National Theatre’s work for young people, built on the belief that young people in every corner of the UK should have the opportunity to experience and take part in theatre.

“We’re so excited to welcome new and returning youth theatre companies and schools to take part in Connections this year.

“All participants are invited to get involved with every aspect of theatre-making and have the chance to premiere a brand new play in a leading regional theatre.”