Brixton Wings' 5th Visit to the National Theatre: Watching The Story

On Saturday 19th September, Brixton Wings returned to the National Theatre for the fifth time, taking 12 young people to watch the production of The Story. Each visit to the National Theatre has become a highlight of our calendar, giving our young people the chance to experience world-class theatre, build confidence, and discover a love of the arts and this visit was no exception.

An Afternoon to Remember

From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear the production had captured the group's full attention. One participant, who had almost missed the performance, said he would have "literally kicked himself" for missing out a telling sign of just how much the play resonated with him.

For another young person, the night carried even greater significance. Though she sometimes finds loud noises and flashing lights challenging, she was completely immersed in the production from beginning to end, fully absorbed in the story unfolding on stage. Moments like these are exactly why we keep returning to the National Theatre to give every young person the chance to engage with the arts in a way that works for them, and to watch them surprise themselves with what they're capable of enjoying and embracing.

The impact didn't end when the curtain came down. One parent got in touch afterwards to share that their child simply would not stop talking about the production proof that the experience stayed with our young people long after they left the theatre.

Our young people shared just how much the night meant to them:

"I'm so glad I went to see The Story, I would have been so disappointed if I had missed it. It inspired me to continue my dream of being an actor. Brilliant production and acting." — Participant 1

"Very interesting storyline, and very immersive experience. So glad I went to see it." — Participant 2

"It was great, I really enjoyed it." — Participant 3

Why These Visits Matter

Now in its fifth outing, our National Theatre programme continues to open doors for young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience theatre of this calibre. Each visit builds on the last, helping our young people grow in confidence, broaden their horizons, and develop a genuine appreciation for storytelling and the performing arts.

These experiences are also a reminder of the importance of inclusive access to culture. Supporting young people with different needs and sensitivities to fully engage with a live performance is something we take seriously, and seeing a young person become completely immersed in a story despite initial challenges is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Thank You

A huge thank you to the National Theatre for continuing to welcome Brixton Wings and our young people. Five visits in, and the magic hasn't faded if anything, it grows with every trip.

Here's to many more nights of theatre, discovery, and stories that stay with us long after the lights come up.

Brixton Wings — Arts & Culture Programme