Barbican Youth Theatre
A dynamic theatre programme building confidence, creativity and performance skills through drama, storytelling and collaborative theatre-making.
Meet the Tutor
Edward Derbyshire is an actor, musician and storyteller who has performed a wide range of roles, including as Dr Edward Jenner for the Cotswold Players in a newly-commissioned play, Pox, Don John in Much Ado about Nothing, Gooper in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, de Guiche in Cyrano de Bergerac, Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore. He tours regionally with his solo Shakespeare productions, featuring Macbeth, Bottom and Malvolio amongst others.
Edward has worked with several theatre companies and festivals such as the Cheltenham Music Festival (Noye’s Floode) and the Three Choirs Festival (The Last Train to Tomorrow; The Burning Boy). He was founder-director of the Gloucestershire Youth Players for 15 years. Edward's television work has included roles in Mayhem: The Georgians (Sky History). Radio plays have included The King’s Message and The Man in the Grey Coat (Parrot Productions).
About Barbican Youth Theatre
Starting 8th November 2026!
Barbican Youth Theatre offers young people in years 4-13 the opportunity to explore the world of theatre in a supportive and inspiring environment. The group will is split into two groups, years 4-8 (junior) and 9-13 (senior).
Students will develop their acting, communication and creative skills through a combination of practical workshops and performance projects.
Alongside acting and storytelling, participants will gain an understanding of the wider theatrical process, including voice, movement, stagecraft and the important role of backstage elements in bringing productions to life. Whether they are completely new to drama or looking to build on existing experience, students will be encouraged to grow in confidence, work collaboratively and express themselves creatively.
Sundays
Junior 9:15-10:45
Senior 11-12:30
Introductory offer £45 for 4 week block*
*Introductory price of £45 applies to those who sign up before 8th November. There will be no notice period for the duration of the 4 week block. If you no longer wish to continue, you will not pay for the remaining sessions in this block. After the introductory period each session will cost £15 per week and there are 10 weeks in a term block (payment is made in instalments).
