National Youth Theatre has announced a further wave of high-profile performers for Letters to My Younger Future Self, a one-night-only staged event celebrating the organisation’s 70th anniversary at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on 20 September 2026.
Supported by Netflix, the special performance will bring together stars of stage and screen alongside emerging young talent in an evening of personal reflections, storytelling and advice inspired by letters written to their younger selves.
Newly announced participants include Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Susan Wokoma, James Graham, Daniel Ings, Calam Lynch, Fay Ripley, Rhea Norwood and Megan Bolton.
The event will also feature additional letters written by NYT Patron Chiwetel Ejiofor, Joanna Lumley, Dame Joan Collins, Richard E. Grant and Matt Lucas.
They join the previously announced line-up of Adeel Akhtar, India Amarteifio, Fehinti Balogun, Jessica Henwick, Rob Rinder, Takunda Muzondiwa and Jack Thorne, with further appearances still to be announced.
Directed by National Youth Theatre CEO and Artistic Director Paul Roseby OBE and Josie Daxter, Letters to My Younger Future Self features dramaturgy by Krishna Istha and Sophie Ellerby, alongside video design by Will Duke, lighting design by Prema Mehta, sound design by Nicola T. Chang and movement direction by Matthew Wells.
The production will be powered by young creatives developed through Netflix and National Youth Theatre’s IGNITE Your Creativity programme.
NYT Patron Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “‘I’m proud to be a Patron of the National Youth Theatre, which gave me a great confidence boost as a young person and continues to do the same for thousands of young performers around the country.'”
Susan Wokoma said: “NYT shaped everything for me… I learned how to be a good company member and it’s absolutely one of my strengths as an actor and writer. It’s the way you learn and grow and surprise yourself.”
Daniel Ings said: “A lot of the people I’m closest to today are friends I made at NYT, and it shaped the way I approach acting and being part of a company. That being said, I have a LOT to say to my younger self, so I can’t wait to be back with the NYT this September for a night to remember.”
Calam Lynch said: “I’m looking forward to returning to my NYT roots for a special evening celebrating seventy years of youth theatre.”
Megan Bolton said: “NYT is where I started my performing journey and is a company that means a lot to me. I’m looking forward to joining some amazing talent on stage for an evening to remember”.
Established in 1956, National Youth Theatre is recognised as the world’s first youth theatre and has helped develop generations of creative talent across theatre, television, film, comedy and music. Alumni include Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Regé-Jean Page, Ed Sheeran and Florence Pugh.
Proceeds from the event will support National Youth Theatre in its landmark 70th anniversary year.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
