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Last Autumn, The Garage launched its first season of professional performance for young people.  Curtain Up! returns this February with a week-long festival of theatre and performance.

"Our first season was tremendously exciting and really well received," says Toni Bentley, The Garage's General Manager.  "We're keen to develop The Garage programme and make it a regional centre for young people's performance.  Packing our second season into a festival week will really help build momentum and excitement."

The festival week sees four professional companies perform at The Garage and a double bill from The Garage's own theatre company, allowing Garage regulars to showcase their skills alongside professional performers.  

The season kicks off on Monday 20 February with a show called Thirsty, by The Paper Birds.  The multi-award winning company has a strong track record of socially observational theatre and Thirsty weaves together booze based confessions to examine Britain's drinking culture.

On Tuesday 21 February, Acting Up is an improvised comedy game show where two teams battle it out, creating comical versions of well know films, television and adverts.

The Garage Youth Theatre Company get in on the act on Wednesday 22 February with a double bill featuring two short plays.  One Million Tiny Plays About Britain is a revealing analysis of the UK in the twenty-first century.  The Grandfathers is a new play - an emotive insight into young people preparing to be soldiers.  It will be featured as part of the National Theatre Connections festival at the Playhouse in April.

The Wardrobe Ensemble bring their acclaimed piece Riot to The Garage on Thursday 23 February.  Based on the true story of chaos at the opening of a new Ikea store in 2005, Riot is a comedic tragedy for the modern age.

The festival week closes on Friday 24 February with Bluebeard: A Fairytale for Adults - the visually stunning tale of a violent nobleman with a knack of murdering his wives.

"It's a wonderfully varied programme," explains Toni. "Some of the shows deal with adult themes, ensuring they'll appeal to people of all ages, but will provide a challenging and entertaining theatre experience for younger audiences."   

Shows are suitable for 13 yrs+.  Tickets from £5.  Festival Pass and group rates available.  To book, contact The Garage on 01603 283382 or book online here.