The National Youth Theatre (NYT) has unveiled the first details of its landmark 70th anniversary season, set for 2026, alongside a major funding boost for its flagship inclusion programme, Assemble.
The £2.36 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund will enable NYT to expand Assemble, which promotes creative pathways for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent. Delivered in partnership with Chapter Arts Centre, Exeter Northcott Theatre, The Lowry, Mayflower Theatre and Sheffield Theatres, the programme aims to create systemic change in recruitment and retention across the creative industries.
Paul Roseby OBE, CEO and Artistic Director of NYT, said:
“As we turn 70 we are looking forwards and building on seven decades of storytelling. We are continuing our work to influence change, creating an industry that is accessible and open to all young people on stage, on screen and behind the scenes.”
Samira Ahmed, Assemble Assistant and Deaf performer, added:
“Joining Assemble made me realise how powerful inclusion can be. For the first time, I walked into a space and didn’t have to hide who I was.”
The anniversary season will also feature bold programming, including a new version of Dracula by Tatty Hennessy, running at NYT’s Workshop Theatre from 21 February to 13 March 2026, directed by Atri Banerjee. Tickets are on sale now.
Further highlights include a concert version of Handel and Hendrix, a new musical with a book by Susan Wokoma and music by Naomi Hammerton, premiering at St James’s Church in February. NYT will also launch Script School, a free accredited course for aspiring writers facing financial barriers, and renew its groundbreaking partnership with Netflix for a third year.
Debris Stevenson’s My Brother’s a Genius will tour nationally from January to March 2026, visiting Sheffield, Scarborough and London, co-produced with Theatre Centre and Sheffield Theatres.
More information can be found here.
