Ten young theatre companies from across the region will perform a range of exciting new plays written by some of the country's finest playwrights including Bryony Lavery, Timberlake Wertenbaker and E4's Skins writer, Jack Thorne.

The festival weekend will be hosted by Chris Price of The Suggestibles, with a very special guest appearance from Chris Rankin, who plays's Percy Weasley in Harry Potter.

New Connections, produced by the National Theatre and supported by Bank of America, commissions new plays for and about young people, for performance by schools and youth theatres from all over the UK and Ireland.

Pupils from Blyth Community College will be among the schools taking part in the festival weekend from Thursday, May 8 - Sunday, May 11.

New Connections culminates at a celebratory festival in July at the National Theatre in London, where ten companies from the nationwide festivals will be invited to perform.

This year the National Theatre announced a new partnership with Bank of America as supporters of New Connections.

Jonathan Moulds, President of Bank of America said: "Bank of America is committed to bringing the power of theatre to young people across the UK regardless of their circumstances.

"We are pleased to partner with the National Theatre in what is one of the largest youth theatre festivals in the world."

Nicholas Hytner director of the National Theatre added: "Bank of America's generous support will enable New Connections to develop into an even more exciting programme.

"It promises to fire the imaginations and aspirations of everyone involved."

Pupils from Blyth Community College will join students from Newcastle College Performance Academy (two companies), Ian Ramsey School, Manor College of Technology, St Joseph's School, Liceo Scientifico Vitorio Veneto, Cre8 Theatre, Hall Garth School, and Shotton Hall Theatre School.

National Theatre New Connections appears at the Theatre Royal from Thursday 8 – Sunday, May 11.

Festival tickets cost £6.50 for adults, and £5 for under 19s and students.

To book, call the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 112121 or buy tickets online by visiting www.theatreroyal.co.uk