Young SixSix at Forwards Festival
4 Sep 2025
Recently, members of Bristol Old Vic's Young SixSix ensemble were invited to speak at Forwards Festival. We chatted with Tundun and Lucy from our engagement team to hear about how it all went!
Tundun: We took a few Young SixSix members to the Forwards Festival with Big Team, and it was an amazing experience. Not only did we get the chance to meet and interview Munya Chawawa, but we also toured the venue beforehand to see how everything comes together. Alongside three other Y66 members (Khadija, David, and Daniel), I spoke in detail about Y66 and an exciting new project Munya will be launching in the UK. We also had behind-the-scenes access to the festival, meeting the teams who make an event like Forwards possible. On top of that, we spent time with Twisted Theatre, exploring their Twisted Supermarket and learning about ethical choices through a range of fun activities!
How did Bristol Old Vic get involved with Forwards Festival?
Lucy: Jazpa who works for Big Team, the charitable arm of Team Love is a longtime collaborator with the Engagement team. He did the Made in Bristol training programme in 2013 and we are always looking for ways to cross fertilize the young people we work with.
Image: Munya Chawawa with members of Young SixSix
What was the conversation about? What were you aiming to do?
Tundun: The conversation centred around the question “What about us?” - how to create spaces in theatre and the arts that are safe and supportive for young people from underrepresented backgrounds in the UK. We spoke about culture and the early influences that inspired both the young people and Munya in their creative journeys. We also got to hear more about an exciting new project Munya will be launching soon.
Before the main interview, Munya took time to sit with the group, getting to know the small group of Y66 members we brought along. He asked about their next steps, gave advice on working in the creative industries, and even shared some behind-the-scenes stories!
Who are Young SixSix and why were they part of the festival?
Tundun: Young Sixsix are a group of young people from different areas of Bristol who previously may not have had access to the arts. They come together to watch shows, make theatre here at Bristol Old Vic, and have fun. They’re a talented bunch, and we feel really blessed to be part of their journey and see the amazing places they’re going ad how we can best support that.
Image: Some members of Young SixSix at Forwards Festival with some Bristol Old Vic staff
How did it go? What did it feel like to be part of that conversation?
Tundun: It was such an exciting experience. From my perspective, it was brilliant to see Y66 meet Munya, hear about his journey, and for him to learn about them too.
Do you have a highlight from the experience? What was your favourite part?
Lucy: Watching the group handle themselves as professionals backstage and on stage!
Tundun: Seeing Y66 on a different type of stage, confidently sharing their craft.
