Alfie's Connections Blog!

Connections 2025 marked a turning point for me—it made me realise that Yew Tree Youth Theatre is exactly what I’ve been missing my whole life. I only joined a year ago, and this was both my first and last time taking part in Connections. I wish I had more time to perform with these people, because I’ve never met a cast so full of love, kindness, and  talent. They’re not just brilliant performers—they’re friends I know will stay with me for a long time. In this past year, I’ve grown in confidence, developed my skills as an actor, and found a group where I truly belong. Mia and the Fish, despite its challenges, made me appreciate the small moments in life and reminded me to cherish every part of this journey.

At first, being one of the oldest and not knowing many people was daunting. But after just a few rehearsals, I settled in, and that’s when we really began to bond—not just as a cast on stage, but as friends off it too. I loved diving into new and unfamiliar styles of theatre—especially things like the flocking on the boat and the round-by-and-through transitions. It took me out of my comfort zone, but it opened my eyes to all the ways we can move and tell stories on stage. My favourite moment had to be the storm scene—it was such a joy to explore the physicality of that sequence.

Being double cast as both Nova and Paz alongside Matthew was such a rewarding experience. It gave me the chance to explore the script and characters from different angles, and to collaborate creatively. Matthew was a huge support—whether I was uncertain about a movement or struggling to get to grips with a character, he was always there. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share those roles with. Although I didn’t get to perform as Paz at Cast, diving deep into Nova’s character gave me a chance to really grow, and I felt like I brought something new to that role in the final performance.

Cluntergate was the perfect venue for this play. The intimacy between audience and performer brought Mia and the Fish to life in such a unique way. I’ll never forget the moment the Fish moved through the aisle beside the audience—it was magical. Everything, from the warm lighting and projections to the thoughtfully chosen soundtrack, created an atmosphere that felt both moving and memorable. Each element of this production was chosen with such care, and it’s a huge part of what made it so successful. Sarah is so calculated as a director and I don’t believe i’d be in the place I am today if it wasn’t for Sarah. 

Then came the tour to Bridlington—playing “That’s Out” on the beach, laughing as Matthew failed to catch a ball, the NODA workshops, and our chaotic run where we swapped characters for fun. But nothing beat the Cast performance. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful journey. When we came to our final bow, it didn’t feel real. Was it really over? Time had flown by so quickly. I was overwhelmed with happiness, but mostly, I just wished I’d found these people sooner.

At the end of 2024, I had doubts if I wanted to pursue acting—but Mia and the Fish reminded me why I fell in love with performing in the first place. Beyond the incredible creative experience, it’s the friendships and memories that will stay with me forever. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.