As part of the National Theatre Connections 500 festival comes a hard-hitting play based on a true story - Blackout. Written by Davey Anderson and presented by the Pump House Children and Youth Theatre, Blackout tells the tale of a young person, who committed a violent crime. Set in Glasgow, this is a play about bullying and fighting back.

The young theatre company performed Blackout for the first time last week, at The Welwyn Youth Drama Festival and although they production was unfinished, they still won second prize in the senior section - The Neros Cup.

Speaking about the forthcoming performance at the Pump House, production manager, Deb Littley, says: “The young people involved in the project are an absolutely brilliant bunch and the director, Moya Brewer, has really pushed them this year to think very differently and creatively.

“The piece tells the true story of a young person who ends up in prison for committing an act of violence and unravels the events that lead up to it. It is written as a monologue and can be performed by as little as one person or by many. The directions are left completely open so that each interpretation is challenging and different. We are performing it as a multi-role, ensemble piece.”

Deb explains that Blackout was chosen as a part of the National Theatre’s Connections project, which the company regularly take part in, as it aims to inspire young, amateur actors and directors and is a chance to link with other host theatres - this year, that theatre is The Royal and Derngate in Northampton.

She says the programme gives the directors the opportunity to meet and work with professional directors and writers of the play they intend to produce. The winning plays then go on to perform at The National Theatre.

“There are only a few rehearsals left,” adds Deb, “and they are very intense, as the piece is incredibly fast paced and demanding.”

Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Lower High Street, Watford, March 21, 8pm. Details: 01923 241362, www.pumphouse.info/