Try GOLD - Free
Theatre ‘visionary’ dies
Burton Mail
|July 31, 2025
SYLVIA Young - the founder of a theatre school which taught the likes of singer Amy Winehouse, EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt and James Bond star Lashana Lynch - has been hailed as a “true visionary” after she died aged 86.
-
Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with “great sadness” that they confirmed the death of their mother, who “passed away peacefully” yesterday.
Their statement read: “Our mum was a true visionary, she gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.
“Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today’s theatre and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.
“She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation’s heart.”
This story is from the July 31, 2025 edition of Burton Mail.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Burton Mail
Burton Mail
Hartridge: Lack of urgency was costly
ALEX Hartridge says Burton Albion will take the 'relevant bits' from their defeat to Wycombe at the weekend.
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
DISCOVER A NEW GALAXY WITHOUT ANYONE GETTING A SNEAK PEEK
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
England don't fear noisy India crowds
SAM Curran is undaunted at taking on India in another T20 World Cup semifinal despite England also having to contend with a noisy, partisan Mumbai crowd on Thursday night.
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
I wanted to write the book I wished I had when I was a child
Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis talks about the book she's written for World Book Day, as the day's director suggests how to make reading fun for children. By LISA SALMON
4 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
Watchdog slashes forecast as Chancellor defends plan
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves said she had the \"right economic plan\" for the UK despite the budget watchdog slashing its forecast for growth this year.
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
Time to get a Wiggle on
Aussie entertainers to head out on tour across the UK
1 min
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
Top six appeal for Ben as he aims to finish season on a high
BRERETON DIAZ: NOBODY EXPECTED RAMS TO BE NEAR PLAYOFF PLACES
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
TWO-WEEK PAUSE TO 'AVOID TOO MANY ROADWORKS'
A £1.2m scheme to extend a cycleway through
1 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
Councillor steps down following a flag removal row
A LABOUR councillor has resigned from a South Derbyshire council after an investigation into his involvement in removing flags from lampposts.
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Burton Mail
Is walking vast city 'overstepping' it?
The Turkish city of Istanbul is a riot of bazaars and hidden gems but for MILO BOYD, exploring it on foot is a tough ask
2 mins
March 04, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size