© Andy Ford
Basics Junior Theatre School is a unique, award-winning musical theatre and performing arts school. Established over 35 years ago and located around the corner from Burnley Football Club, the theatre school prides itself on providing a professional yet family-like environment where its young student performers are educated and inspired to deliver musical theatre performances to the standard the professionals would be proud of. Indeed, many past students are now performing professionally in the West End, in touring companies and on cruise ships around the world.
Many past students have gone on to enjoy successful careers on the West End and perform in professional shows worldwide.
The school draws students from all over Lancashire and Greater Manchester and provides age and ability-appropriate classes, with each being carefully structured to achieve the perfect balance between learning and fun. Students can begin their training at age four, as soon as they start school and continue with their training until they are 18. From here, they invariably progress to London’s top vocational stage schools and then onto perform professionally.
When we caught up with Andy Cooke, the school’s Principal, it was clear just how much this is a passion of his. “Of course, these young students learn singing, dancing and acting skills but in reality, they learn so much more. A happy by-product of the work we do with these young people is the level of confidence they build. The classes encourage personal development and forge transferrable life skills.”
Having seen the standard of the shows they produce, it’s obvious that they’ve had every opportunity to hone their skills.
“Our shows cost upwards of £35,000 to produce. Our audiences are blown away every year by the standard of our shows. Newcomers cite that they rival any show they’ve seen in professional theatre. That’s exactly what we strive for. Only our ticket prices are a fraction of the cost, hence why we have such a following now.”
Basics’ upcoming annual show is The Addams Family and will be taking to the Pendle Hippodrome stage in Colne, Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th October 2023 and tickets start at just £14.
Don’t miss it watching the next generation of West End stars perform!
You can buy tickets online now www.basicsjuniortheatre.co.uk
The Addams Family Comedy Musical
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne
10th to 14th October 2023
Tickets from £14
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