Youth Takeover 2026: Celebrating next‑generation creativity in Winchester
23 Mar 2026- Community
News Story
The historic theatre of Winchester was bursting with youthful energy, bold ideas, and boundary-pushing art as Playmakers Youth Theatre officially hosted Youth Takeover 2026.
Our mighty youth theatre, Playmakers, completely took the reins for a spectacular showcase designed to put young people firmly in the driver's seat. Commanding centre stage at Theatre Royal Winchester, the event was a brilliant celebration of raw local talent, civic pride, and creative participation.
Shifting the spotlight to young voices
Youth Takeover isn't just about giving young people a stage — it's about giving them total creative control. Over the course of the event, young participants took over key technical and artistic roles.
Audiences were treated to a diverse and inspiring program, including thought-provoking short plays written, directed, and performed entirely by our Playmakers groups.
The performances
Cloud Busting
Our Year 10+ group shared Cloud Busting by Helen Blakeman, about a boy whose class is told to write a poem about someone they care about. For Sam, that's Davey, but whose friendship he denies as Davey sees the world differently.
With themes of bullying and acceptance, the play is part of the National Theatre Connections festival, which celebrates young people, theatre making and the importance of access to the arts.
The Imagination Emergency
Our Olivers Battery and Wickham primary school drama clubs performed their own story, The Imagination Emergency, set in a land of talking rabbits and fairies, where a mysterious phone caused sparkle levels to drop to critical levels.
With humour and heart, the show’s message was simple: Choose magic. Stay present. No phones!
Belle and Chloe: Worlds Apart
Our School Years 3–6 and 7–9 groups teamed up for Belle and Chloe: Worlds Apart.
Two warring sisters find themselves in extraordinary worlds, under seas and trees, and facing feuds, including their own.
Funny and thought‑provoking, the cast conquered multiple roles and complex choreography.
the result of weeks of imagination, teamwork and dedication, and showed the incredible talent and energy of our young performers
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Our ethos is to let young people take the lead, creating and performing theatre entirely their own. We give them space to explore ideas, take risks and discover their own voice
Living our values: A connected community
The event perfectly captured our charity's mission to act as a vibrant catalyst for a happier, more connected Winchester District. By providing a safe, judgment-free space for young people to express themselves, Youth Takeover 2026 proved exactly why access to the arts is a right, not a privilege.
The story continues year‑round
While the banners for Youth Takeover 2026 may be coming down, the movement doesn't stop here. Playmakers operates year‑round, nurturing young talent, boosting mental well-being, and running accessible community workshops across Hampshire.
We want to say a massive thank you to all the families, schools, volunteers, and audiences who came out to support the next generation of creatives. The future of Winchester's cultural scene is looking incredibly bright!
Get involved with Playmakers
Do you know a young person who is ready to find their voice, learn new skills, or make lifelong friends? Our youth theatre groups and creative hubs are always welcoming new faces.
