First and second year drama students at a Newham college are preparing to perform at the National Theatre’s annual Connections festival.

New Vic sixth form college have been rehearsing for a production of The Accordion Shop by Cush Jumbo.

Following a powerful performance of the play at the NewVIc Theatre, the Plaistow students will take the show across London to The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn on Monday, March 23.

After hours of gruelling rehearsals it will be performed alongside other groups from London as part of the festival for schools and youth theatres.

Second year performing arts student Adam Chikhalia said: “Performing in a professional venue is one of the greatest opportunities of my performing arts career so far.”

First year student Sean Donnelly added: “To perform in partnership with the National Theatre is a great honour. The Accordion Shop is a fresh kind of theatre that will captivate audiences.”

The Accordion Shop tells the story of Mister Ellody who has quietly kept his accordion shop going on his local high street for generations. One day, he steps out of his door and witnesses an extraordinary incident: hundreds of young people are surging onto the street, rioting.

Principal Eddie Playfair said: “NewVIc has a proud tradition of excellence in the performing arts. This is a great opportunity for NewVIc’s wonderful performing arts students to show what they can do as part of this exciting national showcase.”

Tickets for The Accordion Shop are £6.50 and can be purchased via Tricycle Theatre box office.