Nearly 2,000 people saw ‘powerful’ and ‘meaningful’ performances of a groundbreaking youth-led theatre show about climate change that toured Hampshire.
Drawing on New Forest folklore and the nearby urban landscapes of Southampton, Bringing the Outside In explores issues of air pollution and climate anxiety.
The production by Southampton community arts organisation Theatre for Life was shaped by young people throughout as part of the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme led by the New Forest National Park Authority.
Around 150 young people were involved in developing the play and five creatives aged 18 to 25 took part in the production, including actors, the lighting designer, and stage manager.
Hundreds attended debut performances at the MAST Mayflower, Southampton and 1,300 saw snippets at YouCAN events and festivals.
A further 200 people saw the play on tour at venues across Hampshire, with more than half the audience being from underserved communities or areas of deprivation.
An audience member, aged 12, said:
‘Powerful, meaningful, and caring. The play made me feel like you have to think about the world and that it’s not just about everyone’s actions, it’s also about your own.
‘I liked the part when Amber finally came out the room and realised it’s not just about her – that everyone can do something, that you can do something even just as one person.
‘The play is really good because it’s powerful and stood out. It shows global warming in a simple but powerful way.’
The mum of another young audience member said:
‘The production was so awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. My child hasn’t stopped talking about changing the world.’
Artistic Director at Theatre for Life, Michelle Smith, said:
‘We’re absolutely delighted with the outcome of the Bringing the Outside In tour and the depth of engagement achieved with young people, made possible through the generous support of the YouCAN access offer which provided free tickets to our shows.
‘We connected with young carer groups, home-educated young people, and Breakout Youth, a LGBTQ+ charity, reaching many who had never previously experienced live theatre. Expanding access in this way is meaningful and transformative.
‘We were particularly moved by one young person’s response, expressed through a powerful piece of artwork, that shared the belief that we can change the world through collective climate action.
‘This artwork is a striking reminder of how creative experiences can ignite agency, hope, and a sense of shared responsibility for our future.’
New Forest National Park Authority member and chair of the YouCAN partnership board, James Wylor-Owen, said:
‘Bringing the Outside In is a powerful piece of theatre that champions young voices, educates people about the climate and nature emergencies, and shares messages of hope, fear, and the importance of community.
‘Brought to life by Theatre for Life’s fantastic cast, high quality production, and expert writing, Bringing the Outside In encapsulates everything the YouCAN scheme stands for – from listening to young people and giving them opportunities, to inspiring and entertaining all who attended performances.’
Actor and musician, Ella Jump, said:
‘It’s been an honour working with Theatre for Life on Bringing the Outside. I’ve been involved from the beginning, taking part in research sessions with climate scientists, marine biologists, and rangers to better understand the effects of climate change within our community.
‘Young people’s thoughts, feelings, and lived experiences have directly shaped the production, helping create a piece of theatre that feels relevant to our audience.
‘I believe theatre has a unique ability to reach people, to make them feel connected to others, and inspire them to make change.
‘Bringing the Outside In is an empowering and accessible piece of theatre that uses music, puppetry, and physical theatre to explore the climate crisis and folklore, while emphasising the importance of community. It offers audiences hope, and a reminder to hold onto those around you when times feel tough.’
- Bringing the Outside In has been made possible through the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme – a partnership project led by the New Forest National Park Authority and supported through a Climate Action Fund grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, which is the largest community funder in the UK. Find out more about YouCAN here.