If you’re up at the Edinburgh Festival, look out for the National Youth Theatre, back after a seven-year absence. The NYT is at the Pleasance until August 30 with Have You Seen This Girl?, Peter Terson’s new play. They Shoot Horses Don’t They? is at the George Square Theatre until August 17. The NYT’s London season includes a double bill of Neil Simon comedies, Biloxi Blues and a female version of The Odd Couple, plus Romeo and Juliet, all running until September 20. Bookings for the comedies, at The Arts Theatre, on 0171 836 3334. For Romeo and Juliet, ring the Bloomsbury Theatre on 0171 388 8822.
Leicestershire Youth Arts, which will survive another year thanks to a Pounds 50,000 lottery award, stages nine productions at the Fringe between August 11 and 23. Catch them at St Ann’s Community Centre, Cowgate, performing six shows a day.
Elsewhere, on a different note, Bromley Borough hosts The Big Event at the Churchill Theatre until August 23. The festival links Christopher Biggins and the West End cast of Fame with local theatre and dance schools, youth orchestras and amateur groups. Many performances will include workshops. Call the box office on 0181 460 6677.
Any eight to 12-year-old Hobbit fans who live near Bishop Auckland are in luck. A Kid’s Club Summer Spectacle is exploring Hobbit culture for four afternoons from August 19 to 22. Junk Arts Company is running sessions with stories, songs and music, culminating in an outdoor show on August 23. Call 01388 602610.
The King’s Head Theatre in London’s Islington is running a season of Romeo and Juliet until August 24. Performances Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm and Saturday and Sunday at 3.30pm. Call 0171 226 1916.
More young performers are featured on the professional stage of the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, London when the newly formed New Shakespeare Company Youth Theatre presents an adaptation of Watership Down by Richard Adams. The show runs until August 22. Bookings on 0171 486 2431.
If you’re in Vienna on August 22 and 23 and fancy a bit of Aristophanes, try to catch the National Theatre Education’s production of Frogs. It’s part of the Arts Carnuntum Festival of Greek Theatre.
