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. This famous landmark sycamore featured in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. It was supposed to be one of the oldest trees in the UK.

The event caused uproar across the globe and the felling of the ancient tree is the subject of Torch Youth Theatre’s spring show, sponsored by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The action takes place the morning after the tree has been cut down, and centres on a group of young people from a high school Eco-club. Much like everyone they have many questions; who felled the tree? Will they be held accountable? 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?

Following on from successful Torch Youth Theatre productions, such as The Bangers and Chips Explosion, Ravers, and Wind in the Willows, Tim Howe, Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager Youth and Community, can’t wait for the rehearsals to start.

“We’re really pleased to be partnering with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on this production, and we cannot wait to bring this story to life. Those of you who’ve seen Torch Theatre youth theatre productions will know that they celebrate our young people, and all that they are capable of” said Tim.

This brand new play is a fearless look at the forces shaping the world today. It connects environmentalism with cancel culture, and explores how teenagers are dealing with toxic masculinity and the structures of power. Torch's young people are already having fierce, essential discussions, about these topics and they are eager to bring these challenging ideas to the stage.

Tim continued: “The Sycamore Gap tree is not the only Robin Hood connection we’ll be sharing in 2026. We’re pleased to announce that in July all the young people in Torch Youth Theatre will be performing a brand new version of the Robin Hood story, written just for them! It promises to be an epic adventure.”

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

Sycamore Gap can be seen on the Torch Theatre stage from Wednesday 25 February to Friday 27 February 2026. Ticket price: £10 | £8 Cons. Robin Hood will play from 20 – 22 July 2026 with tickets going on sale in the Spring. For further information visit the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.