The International Youth Arts Festival is one of the biggest UK multi-arts festival for performers aged under 27 and runs from 5 – 14 July in Kingston. They feature some of the best new work from talented rising starts and this year there’s lots of lovely shows for children and families.
For younger children there’s Turtles Don’t Like Plastic from Todos Teatro or Jack and the Beanstalk and Tom Thumb from Lyngo Theatre. Collars & Cuffs bring you Be Not Afeard (a sensory telling of Shakespeare’s the Tempest) and GUT Buddies is a funny and surreal show fresh from Brighton Fringe. There’s also music workshops for early years (from 0 – 36 months), and storytelling workshops for little ones.
Older Children can enjoy GROWL a new musical from that National Youth Music Theatre which tells the story of the big bad wolf or hip hop dance show The Wizard’s Tale (a magical combination of wizadry and hip hop).
Coombe Performing Arts Academy bring you their rendition of the classic Lord of the Flies and and Chickenshed Young Company are bringing (L)able to IYAF – a powerful new piece about labels and stereotypes.
There’s also the Creative Curiosity Trail a free arts adventure around Kingston which will start at the Insect Circus Museum and then wind its way around town with lots of amazing artists to meet along the way and plenty of opportunities to try out something new (dance workshops, storytelling sessions and arts and crafts).
Theatre, music, dance, comedy and visual arts – there’s a brilliant breadth of shows, all created by or for young people and featuring an incredible depth of young and emerging talent. Don’t know where to start? Then check out their programme or join the Lets Play Young Londoner’s meet-up.
The Young Londoner’s favourite picks of the International Youth Arts Festival
Jumper Factory
A collaboration between the Young Vic and inmates at HMP Wandsworth, this intimate and powerful new piece explores the stories of people behind bars and the resilience they need to face a world that moves without them.
When: 9th July 2019 at 7:30pm
Where: Main Auditorium Rose Theatre
How much: £12 book here.
Growl: The Story of the Big Bad Wolf
In this hilarious new musical, you’ll meet Wolf, guardian of the forest and all its creatures. When a smooth-talking Woodcutter and his henchmen turn up with deforestation on their minds, Wolf is the only one standing in their way. With the seeds of doubt sown among his friends, Wolf will be tested to breaking point. Turns out that sometimes you just have to be Big and Bad…GROWL is written by best-selling children’s author Timothy Knapman, and with music by Laurence Mark Wythe. The National Youth Music Theatre represents the very best in work with young people through musical theatre enabling thousands of youngsters across the UK to develop both their creative and personal potential.
When: Saturday 13 July 7pm
Where: Main Auditorium Rose Theatre
How much: £17 adult £13 child book here.
Creative Curiosity Trail
Join us on an arts adventure around Kingston! Explore the world’s only Insect Circus Museum in the Market Square and follow the interactive trail as it weaves through the town.
When: Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul 2019 from 11 am
Where: Throughout Kingston
How much: free
(L)able
Chickenshed Theatre has been creating pioneering, beautiful and inclusive work for over 40 years, and their latest work (L)able is no exception. Exploring the power of labels and stereotypes, this piece is an insightful look at whether we can, should or want to transcend our labels.
When: Sunday 14 July 2019 at 4:30pm
Where: Arthur Cotterell Theatre – Main House
How much: £9.50 book here.
Emerging Dance Showcase
Curated by leading company Dance West, Emerging Dance Platform is an evening of dynamic, contemporary and exciting dance from some of London’s best young dancers.
When: Thursday 11 July 2019 at 7:30pm
Where: Arthur Cotterell Theatre – Main House
How much: £9.50 book here