Burnley Youth Theatre welcomed 100 alumni, current and past staff, board members and friends to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The evening began with a drinks reception and tour of the facilities and grounds to allow guests to witness the impressive changes the organisation has had since its humble beginnings.
A changing exhibition space showed 'Magic Moments' of the organisation's history, from touring projects to famous visitors, and guests also got the chance to spot themselves on the embedded digital touch screens which holds more than 800 photos from the theatre's extensive archive.
Anthony Preston, chair of trustees, said: "The evening struck the right balance of celebration, party, fundraising, warmth and sophistication! I had terrific feedback from everyone I spoke to, and we reignited many alumni’s commitment to the organisation.”
Guests took their seats in the beautifully decorated theatre for a three course meal provided by Burnley Leisure & Culture, live entertainment and dancing.
The evening was all about remembering the past but also celebrating the now and looking to the future, to the next 50 years, whatever they might look like.
This included heartfelt speeches from current artistic director and chief executive Karen Metcalfe and chair of trustees Anthony Preston, memories from host Philip J Hindle, a short performance from a selection of the organisation's current participants, an impactful film which was accompanied with live spoken word by alumni Lewis Pugh, close up magic by alumni and Britain's Got Talent contestant Jasper Cherry, and live music by alumni Jack Herbert and his band “Hot Air”, along with alumni Alice Butterfield.
A special moment of the night was when acting royalty Sir Ian McKellen, from Burnley, appeared on the big screen to wish Burnley Youth Theatre a 'Happy Birthday', thanking them for the past 50 years, and highlighting the importance a theatre has on a child's education.
The theatre was filled with people who have a close connection to the Youth Theatre, from patron and alumni Joy Wilkinson, ex staff members including Lisa Allen, who is now Head of Creative Development at HOME Manchester, and the Preston family, who’s late mother Mohira Preston was a dedicated Burnley Youth Theatre volunteer and pivotal figure within the town.
A blended silent and live auction hosted by Anthony Preston entertained guests, with bids going as high as £600 for a Lord of the Rings poster signed by Sir Ian.
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