Northampton Flash Theatre Festival-goers can treat themselves to 12 different shows in just six days

Forty actors will perform 36 shows in the space of six days during April’s Flash Theatre Festival in Northampton.

The annual festival, which is now in its sixth year, showcases the talents of final year undergraduates on the Acting course at the University of Northampton.

Twelve different plays will be performed three times each by the students during the festival, which runs from Monday 1 to Saturday 6 April.

Performances will be split between three town centre venues – the Looking Glass Theatre in Mare Fair, Castle Hill United Reform Church, Doddridge Street and The Deco, Abington Square.

One of the Acting students performing at the festival is Meredith Barnett, who will be playing the role of Sophie in A Splice of Life, by Ripple Ensemble.

She said: “Theatre-goers can expect 12 completely different shows that all bring something exciting to the festival. Topics range from slavery to genetic editing and even a comedy about climate change will be performed.”

Meredith added: “So far the festival experience has been good. Rehearsals are now fully underway and our script is almost complete. We are looking forward to getting it up on its feet and breathing life into the piece.”

As Meredith and her peers approach the end of their three years of study at the University, she feels the whole experience has been nothing short of amazing.

She said: “I have heavily enjoyed my three years of training on this course. It hasn’t been without its challenges, but I have learnt so many new skills including dance and several acting techniques and I would definitely be proud to say that I trained at the University of Northampton.

“I would highly recommend the Acting course to anyone that is serious about becoming an actor as the training is phenomenal.”

You can find out more about The Flash Theatre Festival shows, cast members and schedule on the official website, where you can also buy tickets. The festival is also on Facebook and Instagram.