15 Aug 2025
OVO’s acclaimed youth ensemble returns to the Roman Theatre of Verulamium to close the 2025 Roman Theatre Festival with a bold, new staging of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.
Adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams and directed by long-time OVO associate artist, Faith Turner, this gripping production explores leadership, identity and the fine line between order and chaos, and can be seen from August 28-31.
Raw instincts emerge when a group of youths are stranded on an uninhabited island, left to govern themselves, as their struggle for power unravels their makeshift society. Prepare for powerful performances and visceral intensity as the young cast breathes new life into this tale of survival and human nature.
As part of OVO’s commitment to education and community, the youth ensemble gives young people the chance to be in a professionally produced show at the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival.
Director Faith Turner said: “I am delighted to be directing Nigel Williams’ adaptation of Lord of the Flies, following the success of The Secret Garden at last year’s festival. This year we have an enormously talented youth ensemble of almost 30 young people, aged 11 to 17, drawn from 19 different local schools – their energy, creativity and commitment is extraordinary.
“The vibrant ensemble gives fresh energy to Golding’s classic novel, which is as relevant today as ever – particularly for young people growing up in an uncertain and often polarised world.”
Faith has performed with OVO for over a decade, with recent roles in Mosquitoes, Little Women and Hedda Gabler. An experienced drama teacher and practitioner, Faith has been working with young people for the past 14 years, including as deputy director of drama at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London.
She added: “It’s a dark and demanding piece, but one that offers real insight into human nature, and I’m incredibly proud of what this ensemble is achieving.”
A core mission for OVO is to provide vital opportunities for early career performers, creatives, and crew who might otherwise find it difficult to establish themselves in the industry. Building on the success of the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival, OVO is expanding its commitment with an exciting new project, transforming a 17th-century barn into a year-round theatre dedicated to nurturing emerging talent from diverse backgrounds – which has garnered support from Brian Cox CBE, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ralph Fiennes and Zoë Wanamaker CBE, who are patrons of the venture.
Artistic director Adam Nichols said: “At OVO, we believe that theatre should be accessible to all – not only as audiences, but as active participants. Investing in the creative development of young people within our local community lies at the heart of that belief. It is a commitment that aligns with our long-term vision, particularly as we look ahead to the opening of St Germain’s Barn Theatre in 2026 – a new venue that will train and support the next generation of actors and creative teams.”
Various ticket types are available, including premium seating with covered area. Book online at www.ovo.org.uk
