Blackout at The Kings Theatre, Southsea

The play will be performed in the Kings Theatre Studio Theatre, a specially- designed space created on the Kings Theatre stage, seating 100 people. Audience members will be seated onstage at arm’s length from the actors, creating a more intimate experience.

The Kings Youth Theatre’s Leading Lights chose to perform the gritty, urban and dark Blackout written by Davey Anderson. Blackout is inspired by the true story of a young offender from Glasgow who has committed a violent crime.

Jo Bennington, Youth Theatre Co-ordinator, says: ‘It is a testing piece for all involved, however the students are rising to the challenge and are looking forward to presenting it in the personal setting that the studio creates.’

Twenty-one years ago the National Theatre in London launched the Connections Festival in response to a demand for new, relevant plays for young people to perform.

Two decades later, it has become one of the biggest projects that celebrates talented young theatre makers, with more than 500 youth groups taking part this year.

Performances at 6.30pm and 8pm. Suitable for ages 13 and older. Tickets £6, call (023) 9282 8282 or visit kingsportsmouth.co.uk.