A VOLUNTARY organisation which encourages young people to showcase their talents is celebrating 30 years.

Ryedale Youth Theatre (RYT) was formed by Angela Kirkham and Jennie Henry in memory of their friend June Veysey, whose dream it was to create a youth musical theatre group in the area.

Since the first production of Bugsy Malone and a modest start, it has grown into one of the most well respected youth theatres in the country. Sadly, the group has been unable to perform over the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Easter 2021 production, to mark the 30th anniversary was also cancelled.

Barbara Wood, from Ryedale Youth Theatre, said: "Easter 2021 would have seen Ryedale Youth Theatres 30th annual production but this is sadly not to be, however we want to mark the anniversary in a rather special way as soon as it’s possible to do so. We have a few ideas in mind and we are working hard ‘behind the scenes’ to make them happen.

"Meanwhile, The Milton Rooms has been booked for Ryedale Youth Theatre’s Easter 2022 production on April 12 to 16– it’s a long time away but we will be there with a brand new show."

For more photos of Ryedale Youth Theatre's past productions go to gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk