Brighton is buzzing with excitement as local talent Millie Foster, a Year 12 student from Roedean School, prepares to see her play, Three Butterflies, Two Chimpanzees, One Lion, performed at the prestigious National Theatre in London. This remarkable achievement is part of the New Views Festival, a celebration of young playwrights from across the UK, taking place on July 2.

Millie’s journey began with the National Theatre’s New Views programme, which inspires and nurtures young writers by offering playwriting classes in schools nationwide. The programme pairs schools with professional playwrights, who mentor students through workshops and feedback sessions. Millie, alongside her peers, embraced this opportunity, crafting her play with guidance from playwright Sian Owens.

The Roedean drama department facilitated this creative endeavour as a co-curricular activity, encouraging 15 drama enthusiasts to explore their storytelling potential. Millie’s dedication and talent shone through, resulting in her play being selected from over a thousand submissions. Her work will now be brought to life by professional actors and directors in the Olivier Theatre, the National Theatre’s largest auditorium.

This incredible opportunity not only highlights Millie’s talent but also showcases the vibrant creative community in Brighton. As Millie takes her place on the national stage, we at Sawyer & Co are thrilled to support and celebrate local achievements like hers. Whether you’re a budding playwright or simply passionate about the arts, Brighton is a fantastic place to nurture your creative dreams.

Congratulations to Millie and all the young playwrights participating in the New Views Festival. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our local stars!

Image: Unsplash