Just Jump, the acclaimed live theatre production promoting water safety awareness, returns to Cardiff Bay with free performances at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre this May. Originally commissioned by Cardiff Harbour Authority and Port of Milford Haven, the Theatr na nÓg production continues its mission to educate young people about the risks of entering unmonitored waters.
First launched in 2017, Just Jump received the Arts & Business Cymru Award for the Environment and has since toured Cardiff schools, reached over 1,000 online viewers during lockdown, and was made into a short film in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, the production returned to live audiences at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, and over the years, thousands of children will have seen the live production, with over 1300 due to see the production this month.
Sioned Williams MS, Member of Senedd for South Wales West said: “Every year, young people in Wales lose their lives in unmonitored waters—lives full of promise, lost in seconds. This is heartbreaking; and it’s preventable. Just Jump doesn’t pull its punches, and that’s exactly why it works. If we’re serious about saving lives, we need to communicate the risks in a way that lands — and this production does exactly that. I’m also proud that this important project is being delivered by a theatre company from Neath.”
Geinor Styles, Theatr na nÓg’s Artistic Director, added: “We produce theatre for young people, reaching over 10,000 annually. We are aware the power of theatre has in delivering an important message and Just Jump is a perfect example, and knowing so many young people will see the performance gives me hope we can help prevent future tragedies.”
Visiting schools will also be offered hands-on water safety workshops delivered by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in Britannia Park, including throwing lines and handling various rescue equipment.
Rebecca Millard, a teacher at Y Bont Faen Primary School said: “’The children were absolutely captivated by the performance and many of them were really moved by the impact of the storytelling. The message was hard hitting and lots of them have talked about it to their parents and wider family members. It is a clear, strong message that will stay with them forever.”
Just Jump will be performed free of charge at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay from 12th of May thanks to support from our partners Cardiff Harbour Authority, Boskalis Westminster and Mermaid Quay, with CultureStep investment from Arts & Business Cymru.
Schools wishing to arrange to see Just Jump or other Theatr na nÓg productions should contact them directly on [email protected].
