Thousands watch New Forest folklore-inspired theatre production championing young people’s views on the climate and nature emergencies - New Forest National Park

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.’