Next-Generation Actors Star in POSH as Project A Applications Near Deadline

Young actors from Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Project A will bring their year-long actor training programme to a powerful close this summer with an explosive end-of-year production of POSH by Laura Wade, running in the theatre’s Studio (Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 July 2026).

The production highlights the professional standard work created through Project A and reflects the scale and ambition of the programme, which is now recruiting for its next cohort. Applications for the 2026/27 Project A intake, offering young people aged 18–25 the opportunity to undertake intensive, industry-focused training delivered by one of the UK’s leading regional theatres, close on 31 May 2026.

A provocative and sharply intelligent play, POSH plunges audiences into an oak-panelled room in Oxford where ten privileged young men gather for an evening of excess, entitlement and ambition. Members of an elite university dining society, they drink, destroy and debate their place at the top of society – but what begins as a night of debauchery soon reveals itself as something more dangerous. Set against the backdrop of power and privilege, Wade’s biting satire asks urgent questions about class, influence and who gets to lead.

The production is performed by Project A’s 2025/26 cohort, who have spent the year developing their craft through practical, industry-focused training led by experienced theatre-makers. The programme prepares participants for the realities of a career in performance, giving them the opportunity to work towards a publicly presented major production on a professional stage.

Helen Milner, Head of Creative Development at Newcastle Theatre Royal, said:

“Project A is about talent, discipline and ambition. Each year, these young artists show extraordinary commitment and growth, and POSH is a bold and challenging choice for their final production. This company brings real intelligence and energy to the work, and it’s incredibly exciting to see the next generation of North East talent take to the stage.”

Isla Bradshaw, one of this year’s Project A actors, added:

“Working on POSH will push us as actors and as an ensemble. The play is funny, unsettling and fiercely relevant, and it will be an amazing way to finish the course together. Performing this work on a professional stage feels like a real launch into the industry.”

This final production is also a chance to support the region’s emerging talent and experience this fast-paced and provocative production, brought to life by some of the North East’s most exciting young performers.

Project A’s impact continues beyond the course. Jack Andrews (Project A 2022) is now studying stage combat at East 15 Acting School in London. Eleanor Grainger (Project A 2022) has continued to develop her work across both stage and screen. Ryan Nolan (Project A 2017) has appeared in major film and television productions and is set to star in Kill Jackie, an upcoming crime thriller series for Prime Video, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Applications for the next Project A cohort are now open and close on 31 May 2026. Apply here.

Tickets for POSH are available here.