Strangers Like Me Posted on 20 March 2023 VLUK's Stagedoor Learning first year learners took to the stage at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham last week with their production of 'Strangers Like Me' by Ed Harris, which was performed not only for one of their BTEC assessment units, but also as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival. NT Connections is an annual event, where groups of young performers across the country perform one of ten brand new plays written especially for the festival. 'Strangers Like Me' is a funny, heartwarming play about a teenager whose best friend has died, and about how to manage and cope with grief. The first years did an outstanding job, working as an ensemble not just to rehearse and play their roles, but to create the set, make the costumes, and design and make the props. During the week of the performance, they worked alongside the Everyman Studio's technical manager, getting a real taste of how a professional production comes to the stage. One of the performances was watched by NT Director Sammy Glover, who said "The performances were playful and original and it was a joy to see it". As part of the Festival, the production will be transferring to The Swan Theatre in Worcester on April 1st, where the Stagedoor learners will be joined by groups from Cheltenham Bournside School and The University of Worcestershire. It was a fantastic experience, and one which all of the learners really enjoyed.