King Charles III met Sir Idris Elba for the second time in three days on Wednesday morning as they joined students participating in musical theatre workshops. The monarch visited the Other Palace Theatre in London alongside the Luther actor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT).
A shared history with the King's Trust
Sir Idris, aged 53, used a grant from the Prince's Trust—now known as the King's Trust—to attend NYMT when he was 18 years old, before rising to become one of Britain's most celebrated stars. Today, the pair met with students who were taking part in workshops at the Off West End venue, which are designed to provide young people with opportunities and experiences in musical theatre.
Workshops for confidence and skills
The youngsters, from Core Education Trust schools in Birmingham, engaged in workshops aimed at boosting their confidence and performing abilities, including improvisation exercises. The King and Sir Idris also met some of NYMT's most experienced young performers, who are now either receiving training at drama schools or working professionally in the industry.
Celebrating five decades of youth theatre
Charles cut a cake to mark the 50th anniversary of NYMT and joined a group photograph with the young attendees before sitting alongside Sir Idris to watch a performance. Before leaving for another engagement, the King met with staff and supporters in the foyer to learn about their efforts in helping NYMT reach its golden anniversary.
A week of royal engagements
This meeting follows Monday's event at the Royal Albert Hall, where Charles and Queen Camilla spoke with Sir Idris Elba during a celebration of the King's Trust's 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976, NYMT began after director Jeremy James Taylor produced The Ballad of Salomon Pavey with a young cast from Belmont School in Mill Hill. The organisation has staged performances across the UK and internationally, with alumni including Jude Law, Stephen Graham, Toby Jones, Amara Okereke, and Callum Scott Howells.
