Young people performing in Matilda the Musical Jr. at Manchester Theatre Summer School.
Manchester School of Theatre brings schoolchildren together for summer school performance
15 September 2026
Students from across Greater Manchester took to the stage in an exciting summer school production of musical theatre at Manchester School of Theatre.
Young people from across Greater Manchester were able to experience how a musical theatre production is rehearsed and performed in an exciting summer theatre programme.
Manchester School of Theatre welcomed more than 40 young people from schools across the city region to a week of workshops in acting, singing, and performance, which culminated in a live performance of Matilda the Musical Jr.
A series of energetic workshops helped to build students confidence in performance and musical theatre, with Manchester Met providing a safe, engaging space for young people to explore their potential, build friendships, and experience the discipline and joy of putting on a full production.
Students were set the challenge of rehearsing and staging their production in just five days, with a live performance being staged to friends and family at the end of the week.
Anna McNamara, Director of Manchester School of Theatre, said:
“The Manchester School of Theatre Summer School production of Matilda Jr was a fantastic celebration of young talent, creativity and collaboration. Watching our fabulous participants grow in confidence, build new friendships and develop their performance skills over the course of the week was a genuine joy.”
“The success of our inaugural summer school reflects the dedication of the students, their energy and their talent. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them back to Manchester School of Theatre in the future as we open our doors for the MST Saturday School launch in January 2027.”
Manchester Higher, a Higher Education partnership with the Office for Students Uni Connect programme, funded 20 places for young people from partner schools, enabling students to access creative programmes and industry expertise.
Following the success of 2026’s sold-out programme, the summer school will return in 2027, where students will rehearse and stage a production of Shrek the Musical Jr.
Further committing to engaging local communities and providing opportunities for young people, the School of Theatre is also launching a new Saturday School programme.
The programme offers a dynamic and inspiring performing arts experience and is open to young people aged 4-18.
Students will benefit from industry leading expertise, drawing on the excellence and heritage of one of the UK’s leading drama schools.
To sign up for future activity opportunities, including the Theatre Saturday School, contact MSTenterprises@mmu.ac.uk
Find out more about Manchester School of Theatre’s upcoming programme of events.
