Passing it on: How Young SixSix is building a new generation of theatre-makers
20 Aug 2026
The magnificent Young SixSix company have been hard at work this month in rehearsals with a new version of Macbeth.
Young SixSix has been a huge part of Bristol Old Vic's family since it was founded in 2017. It was set up as an experiment to see if we could find a way to connect with young people from across the city who may never have thought theatre was for them.
The results speak for themselves! The first intake are now tearing up the theatre industry on stage, screen and in full time training at places as prestigious as RADA, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Guildhall and more.
Some of the members from the early years of the scheme have also returned to be part of Macbeth - mentoring the new intake and passing on their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to the next generation.
Here's what some of them had to say:
Kieran Graham (Young SixSix intake 2020)
"I went to John Cabot academy and grew up in Easton. Young SixSix has impacted me massively! It’s given me a new family while also teaching me how to bring myself as a person to a creative project.
For example we did Romeo & Juliet back in 2022. Back then I hated Shakespeare, but working with the team allowed the language aspect kinda to drop, and it was about bringing what specific qualities I have as Kieran to Mercutio.
My future plans will obviously involve acting but it will all include writing and directing! Because what I noticed is that I’m obsessed with story telling and I want to be in all aspects I can. So with this mindset I would love to see where I end up".
David Ewolumi - aged 19 (Young SixSix intake 2022)
“I went to school at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School, I grew up in South Bristol and lived in places like Knowle and Hartcliffe. Young SixSix has had such a positive impact on my life as well as my acting journey, it really allowed me to break out my shell.”
Khadijah Sawyers - aged 21 (Young SixSix intake 2018)
"I grew up in St Paul’s for 16 years and moved to Whitehall 5 years ago. Young SixSix has given me training to a standard where I was able to book my first professional acting job as the lead, get into drama school , create a new family within the company and be exposed to so many things. I’m currently at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and I just want to develop my craft and get into theatre and TV professionally."
THE NEXT GENERATION...
We also asked a few of the brand new Young SixSix company who joined us this year to tell us how it's going!
I have been finding Y66 Rehearsals very fun as we get to be one big community and engage in fun activities while everyone is such a vibe and gets along.
I have loved being here since I first joined. Being here has taught me many new skills and is a great opportunity to work with people of all ages. I feel included through our work, games and learning.
Tafara - Age 14
It’s been so exciting (despite the long hours and it sometimes being tiring) to work hard towards a show that we are going to perform and is gonna be great (hopefully). I’m so glad to have been selected to join this company and I can’t wait for the shows and to hopefully do more in the future and get closer with the group as I feel like we have already become a proper company in a short time!!
Tilda age 14
I'm finding Y66 really fun. Even after a short amount of time I feel welcome and part of the company. Being at Y66 has broadened my knowledge of acting and I love watching other people act and see how amazing they are. Working with different age groups has helped me take information from experienced actors to help me get better. I'm really grateful to have been chosen for Y66.
Gezzy (Gezzadine)14
