We are delighted to have kicked off our Young Critics Programme for 2026!
14 Young Critics from 11 Youth Theatres met online with Rebecca Feely, National Programme Co-Ordinator and Karen Fricker, Theatre Professor and Critic, on Saturday 18th of April, to start their journeys.
This year, The Young Critics will travel to Cork Midsummer Festival in June to see shows, make friends, take part in workshops, and share their opinions at a public panel on June 19th as part of the Festival.
In October, they will come together again to see shows at Dublin Theatre Festival, and share their thoughts.
The Young Critics Programme is a hallmark of Youth Theatre Ireland's programme and continues to put young people's opinions at the forefront of our mission.
The Young Critics for 2026 are:
Daniele C. Batacan, Dublin Youth Theatre.
Rossa Bracken, Mountrath Youth Theatre Laois.
Liam Donohoe Dunne, Roscommon Co. Youth Theatre
Daniel Foley, Explore Youth Theatre, Leixlip.
Nicole Gavin, Making Waves Youth Theatre, Greystones.
Megan James, Act Out Youth Theatre, Navan
Caoimhe Marjoram, Explore Youth Theatre, Leixlip.
Tamzin McCreesh, M.A.D. Youth Theatre, Dundalk.
Iseult Murphy, Dublin Youth Theatre.
Matthieu Nargeolet, UCC Youth Theatre, Cork.
Teegan O'Connell, Lightbulb Youth Theatre, Mallow.
Ruairi O'Dwyer, WACT Youth Theatre, Wexford.
Cliodhna O’Grady, Nenagh Youth Theatre.
George O'Herlihy, WACT Youth Theatre, Wexford.