Newly released research commissioned by the National Theatre has highlighted the substantial positive effect that participating in youth theatre has on the mental health and emotional well-being of young people. Conducted by Dr. Kirsty Gardiner, the study analyzed survey data from hundreds of teenage participants, discovering that their overall mental well-being is significantly higher than national averages.
The findings indicate that 90% of those involved experienced a profound sense of belonging, while over 80% felt strongly connected to their local theatrical peers. Participants also displayed elevated levels of self-confidence, empathy, and resilience. At a time when younger generations face heightened isolation and digital pressures, the report underscores the critical role of creative arts in building vital real-world communities.
The release of this study comes as the National Theatre prepares for its upcoming summer youth showcases. For the first time in its 31-year history, the flagship Connections Festival will be hosted outside of London, taking place at the Lowry in Salford from 25–28 June. The event will see eight youth companies from across the United Kingdom deliver their own interpretations of newly commissioned plays, exploring contemporary topics such as climate change and bullying.
Following the regional festival, the New Views Festival will return to London on 2–3 July. Held on the National Theatre’s Olivier Stage, the event will platform six original, short plays written entirely by teenagers. These scripts focus on intense personal and societal themes, including identity, racism, and family dynamics. The staged readings will be overseen by professional directors Miranda Cromwell and Mumba Dodwell.
Since its inception, the National Theatre’s youth programming has engaged over 130,000 young people, helping to launch the early careers of notable actors such as Keira Knightley and David Oyelowo. Tickets for the upcoming Salford performances are available through the Lowry box office, while the London readings remain a free, ticketed event accessible via the National Theatre platform. Applications for the 2027 youth festival cycles are officially open.
