We’re all familiar with the Sycamore Gap tree that made the headlines in 2023 when it was illegally felled in Northumberland near Hadrian’s Wall. The felling of this famous landmark sycamore is the subject of Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production, sponsored by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The felling of Sycamore Gap, supposedly the oldest tree in the UK, caused uproar across the globe and the young people of Pembrokeshire will sprout on stage as they bring this wonderful, yet serious tale to life.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on this production. Their support is invaluable, and we cannot wait to see our young actors blossom on stage. Anyone familiar with the Torch Theatre Youth Theatre knows we exist to celebrate young people and the incredible things they are capable of,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community.

Tim continued: “Youth Theatre is about so much more than the final performance; it’s a safe space for difficult conversations. We’ve tackled topics like toxic relationships and the reach of online influencers head-on, and seeing our cast transform these real-world challenges into art has been a massive boost for their confidence and mental health. But don’t be deceived—it isn’t all heavy. There are moments of genuine humour throughout. After all, young people know better than anyone exactly when the only thing left to do is laugh.”

Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing & Communications at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said:“As an organisation we were deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. For generations, it stood not only as an iconic feature of Northumberland National Park, but as a powerful symbol within the wider family of UK National Parks of the beauty, history and shared heritage that bind our protected landscapes together.

“The public response to its felling demonstrated the strength of feeling people have for these treasured landscapes and the vital role they play in supporting mental health, cultural identity and community connection.

“The Youth Theatre production is a fantastic way of raising awareness and understanding of our National Parks and the issues surrounding the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, and we’re delighted to be supporting the show.

“We very much look forward to joining Youth Theatre members in the coming months to plant a sapling of the Sycamore Gap tree in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — a powerful sign of hope, resilience and our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation’s connection to nature.”

As the story unfolds on the Torch Theatre stage later this month, who will be held accountable for the felling of the tree? Many leaves will unfurl before they get to the root of the problem. Things start to unravel quickly as temperatures rise, friendships fray and long held grudges surface. Who will get to the answers first, the police or members of the Eco-club, or will they be barking up the wrong tree?

Torch Youth Theatre presents Al Smith’s Sycamore Gap this February as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections Programme.