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This is a place for the alumni of Burnley Youth Theatre to share memories and photos. It is now considered one of the best youth theatres in the country.

Burnley Youth Theatre evolved out of the Burnley Inter-Schools Drama Group (established in September 1972). The group's name was almost immediately shortened to Burnley Youth Theatre and ran as such throughout 1973 and formally established its own constitution in April 1974. And it’s in Burnley. We know that many people have worked with us and for us and we would like to connect with them through this page. For those interested in what we’re up to now - we work with 450+ young people in a week from in an our purpose built space. We also host professional theatre. If you want to know about that go here https://www.facebook.com/burnleyyouththeatre or follow us on Twitter . Please feel free to upload your own pictures, and any stories that you remember.

23/10/2026

1996 (12) 'Pinocchio' - December 1996's Christmas Production 'Pinocchio' based on the children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio (1883) by Italian writer Carlo Collodi. Directed by Anthony Preston and presented at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre.
Here we see Geppetto and Mr Cherry in action!

21/10/2026

November 1989's dark melodramatic story of 'The Curse of the Werewolf' by Ken Hill (Songs by Ian Armit and Ken Hill) was startlingly brought to life by director Val Norris at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre. Here we see Gareth and Johnathan in role.

19/10/2026

In June 1986 Burnley Youth Theatre presented the musical 'Blood Brothers' by W***y Russell at the Towneley High School Drama Studio. Directed by Mick Dawson, with finishing touches by the original professional production's 'Eddie' Andrew C. Wadsworth. Here we see a backstage photo of Paul (Narrator) and Jane (Donna Marie).

16/10/2026

2026 (7,8) 'Before the Sun Comes Up' directed by Henry Blackburn. A warm, gritty exploration of growing up in a place that doesn't wait for you. Under Burnley’s grey skies, a group of teenagers try to find where they fit. When two friends announce an impulsive engagement, the group is swept into a blur of cheap suits and reckless love. They feel invincible, until one night changes everything. Before the Sun Comes Up is a warm, gritty exploration of growing up in a place that doesn’t wait for you, navigating the space between childhood dreams and the reality of adulthood. When the laughter fades and the future looms, FirstByte Theatre asks what remains of the friendships and places that defined you?
Here is William in role.

14/10/2026

March 1989 - 'Male Model' by renowned writer Paul Abbott (in one of his early works) directed by Heather Barcley and Anthony Preston. The play explores the conflict between traditional attitudes and values dictated to young people by their parents and peers -themselves the products of societal indoctrination into stereotypes and caricatures of 'Northern Oiks'. It examines how the young can struggle for independence and a sense of worth in a world designed for the continuation of unquestioned r«ghts and wrongs. It is easier to accept the way things are than to fight for the way things should be. Performed in repertory with 'Legend of Scarface and Blue Water'.
Here we see Clare in role.

12/10/2026

1986 August 'The Tufty Road Safety Show' - Based on the characters created in 1953 by Elsie Mills MBE. This Outdoor Road Safety Awareness Performance was presented in front of Burnley Library. Directed by Anthony Preston, here photographed with Karlane.

09/10/2026

'The Wizard of Oz' based on the book of L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was presented by BYT in October 1982 BYT. Directed by Mick Dawson and Anthony Preston. Here we see Susan the Wicked Witch of the West.

07/10/2026

In March 2026 BYT presented 'Animal Farm' adapted from the allegorical novella by George Orwell, first published in England on 17 August 1945. The book tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Directed for Burnley Youth Theatre by Henry Blackburn. Presented in the Alan Daiches Studio at Burnley Youth Theatre. Here we see Aine and Kate in role.

28/09/2026

1992 (9) 'Thinking of England' - the first revival was in September 1992. Written by Nick Maynard and directed by Nick Maynard and Anthony Preston this production was selected to be part of of the 1993 Lloyds Bank Theatre Challenge and would go on to be presented at the National Theatre in 1993. Originally performed in June 1992 at the Quarry Theatre, it was taken to the National Youth Arts Festival at Ilfracombe later in the same month. Prior to the National Theatre performance in 1993 'Thinking of England' had a February re-write to meet the strict time constraints.
Photographed here are two original cast members.
As some of the original performers had moved on, a couple of cast changes were necessitated. This version was presented at the Quarry Theatre in September 1992. Part of the 'Made in Britain' Trilogy: PART ONE: Thinking of England, PART TWO: State of Decay, PART THREE: Best of British.

Address

Burnley Youth Theatre, Queens Park Road
Burnley
BB103LB

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 9pm
Wednesday	10am - 9pm
Thursday	10am - 9pm

Telephone

+441282427767

Website

http://www.burnleyyouththeatre.org/

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