It was founded by Geoff Sykes, a lifelong friend of Michael Croft founder of The National Youth Theatre who served as its Artistic Director until his death.
Mike Leigh, then a lecturer at the Catholic women teachers training college Sedgley Park, devised and directed two big-cast projects for the Manchester Youth Theatre: Big Basil and Glum Victoria and the Lad with Specs .
[1] Sam Boardman-Jacobs won acclaim[2] for his work on Holocaust and Yiddish drama with the Manchester Youth Theatre.
[3] The notable alumni include Dominic Monaghan; Aiden Shaw; Steven Pinder; Kevin Williams; David Threlfall; Lee Oakes; David Bamber; Lesley Sharpl Phil Bailey; Gillian Bevan; Alan Williams; John Shuuttleworth & Jilted John (musician, comedian and actor) Graham ?????
; Karl Heaver; Shaun Gorringe; Bernard Latham[citation needed] Tim Walker first groom out of 4 weddings (& a funeral) + other roles;