New Torch Youth Theatre production turns a national headline into a powerful story of love, loss and togetherness
TORCH YOUTH THEATRE is bringing one of the UK’s most emotionally charged real-life events into the spotlight with a bold new youth-led production inspired by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree — transforming a national moment of outrage into a deeply human story about love, loyalty, activism and responsibility.
The production forms part of a National Theatre programme, which commissions new plays for young people across the UK. The script, written by playwright Al, was specifically created with youth voices in mind, giving Torch’s young performers a story that reflects their realities rather than speaking over them.
“He really understands young people,” said director Tim Howe. “This isn’t an adult voice trying to interpret youth culture — it’s a genuine voice that reflects what young people are actually going through.”
Although rooted in the real-life Sycamore Gap incident, the play moves beyond headlines and outrage. Set the morning after the tree is felled, the story unfolds through an eco-club in a school, blending murder mystery, social commentary and emotional drama. The police suspect a group of young people, while a fictional group called The Court of Public Opinion represents the outside world — their lines drawn directly from real social media comments made after the incident.
“It explores how people react instantly online, how blame spreads, how assumptions form,” Howe explained. “Some of the dialogue is lifted straight from social media. That’s the voice of the outside world coming into the story.”
The play explores themes of environmentalism, cancel culture, toxic masculinity, power structures, activism and identity, all framed through relationships between young people.
“These are the issues that matter to young people now,” said Howe. “We have a duty of care to prepare them for the world they’re inheriting — not by telling them what to think, but by giving them space to explore it in healthy, productive ways.”
At the heart of the production is a powerful message about collective strength and togetherness.
“It doesn’t have to be a huge act,” Howe added. “Strength comes from standing together. We’re allowed to disagree — and that’s okay — but when we come together, that’s when we’re at our most powerful.”
The production will be performed at Torch Theatre, showing from Wednesday 25 February to Friday 27 February 2026.
Torch Youth Theatre says the show isn’t just important — it’s engaging.
“It’s a good play,” Howe said. “It’s told by young people who are passionate about it. They want you to feel what they feel. It’s only an hour — an hour of listening to young people tell a story that matters to them.”
Wednesday 25 February – Friday 27 February 2026
Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
Tickets:
https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/events/torch-youth-theatre-presents-sycamore-gap/
