TWO trainee accountants swapped their calculators for costumes as part of a unique link-up with Burnley Youth Theatre.

Sinead Duffy and Dan Woods, from Cassons in Haslingden, got a backstage tour of the theatre and took part in a workshop with pre-school children as part of an Arts Council initiative.

They visited the Queen’s Park Road venue as part of a project to strengthen relationships between East Lancashire businesses and the arts scene.

Burnley Youth Theatre, Mid Pennine Arts, In-Situ and Waterfoot’s Horse and Bamboo Theatre have collaborated ahead of a one-off Made In Burnley show today, which will focus on the town’s achievements.

Sinead said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was a brilliant experience. We helped to make some props and got to sing the Hokey Cokey, so it’s fair to say it was a bit of a change from our normal working day.”

Mandy Precious, the youth theatre’s artistic director, said: “We really appreciated Sinead and Dan taking time out to pay us a visit and learn more about Burnley Youth Theatre.

“Being part of a theatre teaches you skills that are applicable in all walks of life. Responding to deadlines, working in teams, public speaking, confidence, emotional intelligence — these are just some of the skills our young people pick up. We don’t just focus on developing great actors here: it’s about nurturing great human beings.”

Tomorrow sees a debut performance of Hansel and Gretel from the theatre’s in-house production company, Byteback.

The group, which specialises in children’s theatre and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, has teamed up with Casterton Primary School to bring the traditional Grimms’ tale to life.

Box office: 01282 427767.