Philip Henry Burton MBE (30 November 1904 – 28 January 1995) was a Welsh teacher who became an acclaimed radio producer and theatre director.

In his later life, he emigrated to the United States where he helped found the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

[1] Burton's mother, Emma Matilda, was Welsh and was a large influence in his academic achievement, as was his Maths teacher, Ted Richards.

Aged just 16, Burton gained a scholarship to study at the University College of Wales, Cardiff, from where he graduated in 1925 with a double honours degree in History and Mathematics.

[4] He also taught for the Workers' Educational Association and chaired the Port Talbot branch of the YMCA, as well as founding its Drama Society.

He was a leading light as an actor in the Society, both in its Port Talbot productions and in drama competitions, and he was soon attracting attention in the national press: his portrayal of Othello was “perfect in make-up, appearance and art…Othello had a tremendous personality.

[7] In 1938 Burton was awarded a scholarship by the Guild of Graduates of the University of Wales to visit America for six months to study school camps and drama, broadcasting and theatre.

[9] Philip Burton had a frustrated dream of being an actor, and as a teacher looked for a young protégé through whom he could achieve acting success.

[2] The two remained close for almost all of their lives and when Burton began working for the BBC as a producer, Richard would often lend his vocal talents.

They reconciled, four years later, when Taylor approached Burton to help Richard, who was struggling in the build-up to John Gielgud's 1964 production of Hamlet.

Later that year, Burton moved to New York City, where he helped establish the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and became its first director.