Before the witches appear and the drums for Macbeth begin, something special is already bubbling up on the factory stage at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
This spring, over 35 young theatre makers aged 11–18 are stepping into the spotlight as they create and perform their own Macbeth Inspired curtain-raiser shows for TFT’s production of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.
As part of the Young Theatre Makers programme for Years 7–13, the groups are spending the spring term working alongside theatre professionals to devise three brand-new Shakesperean takes. Led by director Imogen Downes, with assistants Gabriel Kelly and Joe Northstone, the young company is exploring character, movement, sound, lighting and text to create a 10 minute piece that will open the evening’s performance on three specific dates over the run — welcoming audiences into the story before the main show begins.
Projects like this offer young people a rare and meaningful opportunity. Rather than performing in isolation, they are sharing their work on the same stage as a professional production, for a public audience. Over ten weeks of rehearsals—including extended sessions and full rehearsal days—the group is not only developing their creative skills, but also building confidence, collaboration, and a genuine sense of ownership over their work. Knowing that their performance matters, and that it is an integral part of a wider theatrical event, is hugely empowering.
For audiences, these curtain raisers add a powerful extra layer to the theatre-going experience. Arriving in the auditorium to see young people responding creatively to Shakespeare’s work reminds us that these plays were never meant to feel distant or fixed in time. Instead, they are living texts, constantly re-imagined by new generations. Most importantly, the process is designed to be both ambitious and supportive. With extra rehearsal time built into the term, young performers are given the space to experiment, take creative risks, and grow in confidence—while still keeping the experience fun, relaxed, and enjoyable. The result is not just a polished performance, but a group of young people who feel comfortable, capable, and proud of what they have created with a new take on the bard’s work.
Projects like the YTM Macbeth curtain raisers are made possible through continued investment in young people and their creativity. Through the Shakespeare@TFT fundraising campaign, Tobacco Factory Theatres are working to ensure that more young people can access high-quality theatre experiences—regardless of background. By supporting the campaign, you are helping young theatre makers develop confidence, skills, and a lifelong connection to the arts, while keeping Shakespeare’s work alive, relevant, and accessible for generations to come. Every contribution helps these stories continue their journey—from the page, to the stage, and into the hands of young people discovering their voices.
The performances that will include the YTM Curtain Raisers are:-
The 25th / 27th & 28th March 2026.
Posted on 05 February 2026
