As the yearlong celebrations for its 70th anniversary in 2026 begin

Music giants Handel & Hendrix lived next door to each other in London, separated only by time, and a very thin wall. When a young girl who has run away from home visits the current Handel and Hendrix Museum she decides to outstay her welcome. This is a story of finding your home, of being seen, and ultimately of letting go of the things that haunt us.

As the yearlong celebrations for its 70th anniversary in 2026 begin, the National Youth Theatre will present two highly unique productions that will showcase talent both from its famous alumni and its REP company of young actors aged between 18 and 25. The season begins with the World Premiere of Handle & Hendrix, in a concert version of a new ‘baroque and roll’ musical about two legends of opera and rock with a book by BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and NYT alum Susan Wokoma. NYT Artistic Director Paul Roseby will direct with music from Naomi Hammerton. The production will premiere at St James’s Church from 4 – 7 February.

Susan Wokoma said: “National Youth Theatre is where it all started on stage for me. I’m excited to be returning home to NYT to create a story about two musical icons and finding home with a new generation of stand out talent.’”

Now in its 12th year, The National Youth Theatre’s REP company, which offers a vital free alternative to formal training, will return with two productions in early 2026. This year 18 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 make up the NYT REP Company. The first NYT REP production of 2026’s ‘Love Bites’ season will be Dracula, running at the NYT Workshop Theatre from 21 February this is the second of their World Premieres this seen and more on that to come – Watch this space.

NYT Artistic Director & CEO Paul Roseby said: ‘This is a story about being an outsider, finding your home, and living forever. We’re excited to have assembled such a stellar team and cast to honour two young musicians who moved to London, made it their creative home and made musical history. Join us to support a new company of young talent making their mark on the London creative scene with a joyous new musical.’

For tickets and more information visit nyt.org.uk.