Youth theatre members join professional production

Playmakers take the stage in historical epic

In an extraordinary milestone for our young performers, members of our Playmakers Youth Theatre stepped onto the professional stage to join the cast of a major historical production.

Supported by Play to the Crowd, this unique opportunity saw talented young actors perform alongside multi-award-winning theatre company RABBLE Theatre in their highly acclaimed production of Henry I.

The sweeping historical epic was brought to life inside the spectacular, medieval setting of Winchester's iconic Great Hall — the very city where the real King Henry I seized the English crown centuries ago.

Bringing history to life in the Great Hall

Written by Beth Flintoff and directed by Hal Chambers, Henry I tells the gripping story of William the Conqueror's "spare" royal son who eventually seizes the throne right here in Winchester. Crucially, the production shines an equal spotlight on the often-untold stories of the era's women who shaped history from behind the scenes.

For the selected Playmakers Youth Theatre members, being embedded into a production of this scale under the direction of RABBLE Theatre offered an invaluable glimpse into the professional theatre industry.

The young cast members were involved in several core aspects of the production:

• Key character roles: Stepping into the specific roles of the royal court's children, adding vital emotional stakes to the family power struggles.
• Professional rehearsals: Experiencing a rigorous, industry-standard rehearsal process alongside the professional acting company.
• Site-specific staging: Adapting their performance skills to suit the unique acoustics and grandeur of a historic heritage site.

Real-world industry experience

At Play to the Crowd, a foundational part of our work is providing meaningful pathways for young people to explore the creative arts. Immersing our youth theatre cohorts into professional, high-caliber environments builds exceptional confidence, hones performance techniques, and opens doors for future creative careers.

A proud community collaboration

This special production was made possible thanks to a proud collaboration between RABBLE Theatre, Hampshire County Council, and Play to the Crowd. It beautifully mirrors our charity's core mission to serve as a vibrant catalyst for a happier, more connected Winchester District by connecting local young people with professional artists to tell stories that are deeply woven into our local heritage.

We want to give a massive round of applause to our brilliant Playmakers members who took part, and a huge thank you to the entire RABBLE Theatre team for welcoming, mentoring, and inspiring our young performers throughout this unforgettable run.

Discover Playmakers Youth Theatre

Does a young person you know dream of taking the stage, building confidence, or working with industry professionals? Our youth theatre groups cater to all experience levels and run throughout the year.