University of Northampton introduces the next generation of actors!

Third year BA Acting students from the University of Northampton’s School of The Arts are performing at the prestigious Royal and Derngate next month, with productions of Welcome to the Thebes, Days of Significance and Blue Stockings.

Tickets are available for the nine performances, which take place between Wednesday 16 and Saturday 19 March 2016.

Welcome to Thebes by Moira Buffini offers a passionate exploration of an encounter between the world’s richest and the world’s poorest countries in the aftermath of a brutal war. The production is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd, the largest publisher of plays and musicals. Performances will take place on Wednesday 16 March at 3pm, Friday 18 March at 7:45pm and Saturday 19 March at 12pm.

Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings is a moving, comical and eye-opening story of four young women fighting for education and self-determination against the larger backdrop of women’s suffrage. This production is presented by special arrangements with Nick Hern Books. Performances take place on Wednesday 16 March at 7:45pm, Thursday 17 March at 3pm and Saturday 19 March at 4pm.

Days of Significance by Roy Williams follows the love lives and mortal fears of young soldiers departing their English market-towns for the deserts of Iraq. The production is presented by special arrangement with Alan Brodie Representation. Performances take place on Thursday 17 March at 7:45pm, Friday 18 March at 3pm and Saturday 19 March at 7:45pm.

Student Jaryd Trainer commented: “It’s a fantastic honour to be able to represent the University and take part in a project like this that puts us, as aspiring performers, on show at the prestigious Royal and Derngate Theatre. We will be bringing a lot of passion to this and the collaboration of working with these professionals will make our families proud and set us up as professional actors.”

Student Caroline Avis said:  “What I love most about rehearsals is that we have gone straight into it. We were up on our feet from the very first day and I love that it is so hands-on. There is a lot to think about and that pressure is what keeps you going. Working with a professional director is great as you can feel motivated by somebody who has been working in the industry for so many years.”

Chris Burdett, Senior Lecturer in Acting and Drama, commented: “We are looking forward to another fantastic season at the prestigious Royal Theatre. In March our students will tread the boards to showcase their efforts and talents as a culmination of three years of training. Rehearsals are well underway and everyone is excited, learning lines and working hard with our three fantastic directors to produce three f​antastic shows!”

Tickets for all productions are available now from the Royal and Derngate box office, telephone: 01604 624811 or visit the Royal and Derngate website.

Photo: Rehearsals of Welcome to Thebes ​