Burnley Youth Theatre was established in 1973. It has developed over the years to become one of the most highly respected youth theatres in the UK.

In the early days, we depended heavily on volunteers to ensure the successful running of the organisation - in many ways we still do. On average, we developed and delivered 6 - 10 shows annually in that time. The theatre was in a converted old shed and continued in that for a very long time. It was known as the Quarry Theatre, because the theatre sat in the heart of a disused quarry site. We remain on that site today, although it is much changed.

The story of BYT is the story of what people can do when they work together for a common goal. In 1997, the organisation took on its first full time worker, Jacky Riddell, now Jacky Hardacre. She worked towards the development of a range of activities, and the development of BYT as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. This meant that the organisation could begin to explore other means of generating funds.

In 1999 it was given RFO status, and began receiving public funds.

In 2001 Lisa O'Neil Rogan became the first youth arts worker, and began working more extensively in the community, ensuring that young people who would not normally attend the youth theatre were able to benefit from the work that went on there.

Throughout this period, a colossal effort was made to raise funds to develop a new building. In 2004, these efforts began to take shape. The organisation was awarded lottery funding and money from NWDA and the building began in earnest. It opened its doors in 2005.

Things continue to develop here - we are still passionate about enabling all young people to participate in the work that takes place here. Indeed, we are working towards developing fully inclusive family friendly theatre where young people with all abilities work together reaping the benefits of participating in theatre activity.

Why not be part of its future?