Basics & Beyond

Excellence in Musical Theatre Training Since 1980s

For over four decades, Basics Junior Theatre School has been at the forefront of musical theatre training, providing exceptional performing arts education for young people with passion, ambition and potential.

Established in the 1980s, Basics is one of the original musical theatre schools, earning a reputation for excellence through outstanding teaching, professional standards and a commitment to developing confident, versatile performers.

Our alumni have secured places at many of London’s leading drama schools and performing arts colleges, with numerous former students building successful careers in the West End, on national tours, in television and across the wider entertainment industry. Their achievements reflect the strength of the training they received and the foundations built during their time at Basics.

Our carefully structured programme combines expert tuition in acting, singing and dance with an environment that encourages creativity, resilience and individuality. Students are challenged to develop strong technical skills while discovering the confidence and artistry that set exceptional performers apart.

Whether a child is taking their first steps onto the stage or preparing for competitive drama school auditions, every student benefits from the same high standards of training, expert guidance and genuine care that have defined Basics for more than 40 years.

Today, our comprehensive in-house programme offers complete musical theatre training, enabling students to develop the breadth of skills expected by leading drama schools and the professional industry. With a legacy spanning generations and an eye firmly on the future, Basics continues to shape the next generation of performers.

Where talent is nurtured, confidence is built, and futures in the performing arts begin.

Emilie Chadwick

Trained at Northern Ballet School (2019-2022)

Trained at Basics until 2021

signed with YOU Management

2023, Stage, Face Character and Parade Performer, Disneyland Paris,

2022, Stage, Ballerina, JINGLES CHRISTMAS SHOW, Vision Arts,

2022, Ballet, Dancer, SYLPH TO STRATOSPHERIC, Northern Ballet School, Sarah Dickinson.

2021, QUEER & NOW, Northern Ballet School, Dancer Ensemble.

2021, I SEE STARS, Northern Ballet School, Andrew Margerison,

2020, TV Commercial, Chadwick Family Member, THE RUGBY WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN, Nicki Casey 2020,

2020, THE SHOW MUST GO ON: THE MOVIE, Northern Ballet School,

2019, Choreography, Ensemble, LEGENDARY, Northern Ballet School.

‘My time at basics was fun and exciting in a safe environment. Learning under an industry professional really gave me a taste of what it would be like to choose musical theatre as a career.’

Millie Green

Millie trained at Basics for nine years before going to study Musical Theatre at University Centre Weston – Academy of Performing Arts. While in training she workshopped new musicals with the likes of Grace Taylor (Associate Director on Six) and Rob Rokicki (Writer of The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical, Monstersongs and Experience Marianas).

Since graduating, Millie has worked with Mini-Concerts on several themed tours with audiences reaching the thousands. She is currently working as a Presenter/Vocalist with TAG Live and looks forward to returning to the Hippodrome again in May for her debut in a new touring musical called ‘The Story of Ireland’.

“There is nothing I learned at University that I hadn’t already been taught at Basics. You learn the core values not only of how to be a performer but how to conduct yourself in a rehearsal room and really hone your creativity. If performing is your passion and you want to see it through, all I can say is, you’re starting in the right place.”

Brandon Incles

Credits: Norris Green/Dancer Beauty and the beast Pantomime, Singer/Dancer Fred Olson Cruise Lines, Singer/Dancer Carnival Cruise Lines, Lead Vocalist 80’s Live UK Tour, Singer/Dancer Doncaster Christmas Live, Lead Vocalist Coastfields Holiday Park, Singer/Dancer Britannia Holiday Group.

Brandon trained with Basics Junior Theatre School for three years, performing in- A trip down memory lane, 42nd Street, Miss Saigon, Crow Wood cabaret and Anything Goes before continuing his training professionally at Liverpool Central Studios for three years.

“I am honestly so grateful to the team at Basics for their guidance and the opportunities they gave me throughout my time there, they aren’t just mentors but family. The production quality is outstanding and it’s training second to none. This shows with the talent that’s in the room and beyond after so many years. Thank you Basics! “

Lucy May

Lucy May was a part of Basics for six years. She then went onto train at Rare Studios in Liverpool.

Her first professional job as a performer was onboard a CMV Cruise Ship. After a couple of contracts with CMV she then successfully gained a job with P&O. Lucy May is still sailing the seas with P&O and is soon to start her fourth contract on the Arcadia world cruise.

“My time at Basics was truly special, it’s where I first found my voice well my ‘belt’ in vocal terms… and I’ll always thank Dennis Murtaugh and Kathy Foster for their endless support and guidance”

Jess McGlinchey

Jess trained at Basics for nearly 5 years (Jan 2011 – Oct 2015) and also taught Basics Juniors for 2 years (2016 – 2018). Jess gained training in Musical Theatre at The Manchester College and continued to study Music at Burnley College. She then furthered her training and gained a degree at The Hammond School (Degree under The University of Chester) for three years and graduated in 2022.

Professional Credits:

Rosi in Times Like These at The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham 2023
Cinderella and Other roles in Cinderella Pantomime [Stage Ed School Tour] 2022
Featured Vocalist on Alter Ego by The FX Effect 2022
Stage Academy Tutor @ Holiday Village Ibiza (Working with The Entertainment Department) 2022
Vocalist for The Platinum Proms at Chester Cathedral 2022
Martha in Spring Awakening 2022
Featured Vocalist on the Compendium II & III by The FX Effect 2020-2022
Regular local gig performer since 2015

“Basics taught me the fundamentals of not just being a good performer but the foundations of professional life skills that are apparent in day-to-day life for example time management – our director would always tell us “Early is on time, on time is late” which I still stand by to this day, independence and organisation (are your props, costumes and quick stage stations where they need to be!) and teamwork – no divas allowed! We are all in these shows together! As a performer, having the support from the creative team always made me feel comfortable and motivated to put in the work and making friendships that last a lifetime is still so special, seeing these friendships blossom in the Junior classes as a teacher for Basics was so exciting to see too. I look back at my time at Basics with so much joy from the friends I made, the shows we created and the excitement of what our future held for each and every one of us. Basics really nurtured that – It’s why I can never let Basics go!”

Dean Ryan

Dean trained at Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance.

Professional performing credits include:

Frankie Valli – The Jersey Quartet, touring and cruise.
Lezardo – The Forest of Enchantment, The Walt Disney Company.
Ensemble / Understudy Bobby C – Saturday Night Fever, The English Theatre, Frankfurt.
Actor-muso and lead vocalist – Summer Rep Season, Bridlington Spa Theatre.
Captain Sid – The Pirate Squad, The Dugdale Theatre.
Actor-muso ensemble – Cinderella, The Key Theatre, Peterborough. Buttons – Cinderella, Bourne Leisure.

Dean trained at basics from 2004 to 2008 where he performed in many variety shows as well as Les Misérables, Me and My Girl, and the leading role of Galileo in We Will Rock You! Dean has many fond memories of Basics – there is no other place to be for top quality training mixed with fun and hard-work!

Dean currently works as a freelance vocal-coach and arranger for Performers College and KA ARTS, where he has musical-directed many shows, and had numerous students in West End/Tours/Cruises. For more info, you can follow Dean on Instagram or Twitter: @De4nRyan.

Rebecca Swindells

Rebecca began her Basics journey back in 2010 and trained with the senior group for 5 years. She enjoyed being a part of many fantastic productions such as ‘Oliver, Anything Goes and 42nd Street’. After her time at Basics, Rebecca continued her vocational training at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and The London College Of Music, gaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre.

Credits include: Maud in ‘Women’s Suffrage’, Directed by Julie Atherton, Ensemble in ‘EVITA’, directed by David Henson and Photographer/Ensemble in ‘Merrily We Roll Along’, directed by Sadie Dixon-Spain.

Looking back on her time at Basics Rebecca says “Enjoy every second in that rehearsal room, be disciplined, be professional and be kind. Basics has given me the tools to go into the industry ready and prepared for anything!”

Helen Ternent

Helen always loved to sing and dance from a young age. However, her enthusiasm for musical theatre really came to realisation when she began attending classes at Basics in 1998. It was there she discovered her love for musicals and bringing stories to life through the combination of singing, acting and dancing.  
Basics became a safe haven where she could explore, experiment and learn the skills and stamina it takes to perform in front of her peers and live audiences. She spent the next 5 years taking part in various productions including Joseph, Singing in the Rain and My Fair Lady.

From there Helen went on to audition and gain a place on the vocational training course at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks in Blackpool. She trained for three years and secured an agent at the end of her second year when she began attending auditions in London.

For the last 17 years, Helen has forged a career working in countries such as Germany, Austria, Zurich, Cyprus and also touring around the UK and in London’s West End. Some of her credits include:

Francine/Us Mary and Lorraine in Jersey Boys (Trafalgar Theatre). Nicola in Kinky Boots (UK Tour). Dance Captain in Mamma Mia (Limmasol). Francine in Jersey Boys (Piccadilly Theatre). Martha/Us Gladys in The Pajama Game (Shaftesbury Theatre). Dance Captain/Swing /Us Mandy Rice-Davies in Stephen Ward (Aldwych Theatre). Assistant Dance Captain/Swing/Us Karen and Minty in Viva Forever (Piccadilly Theatre). Lou Ann/Us Amber and Velma in Hairspray (UK Tour). Peaches/Us Sharpay in High School Musical 2 (UK Tour). Us Karmen, Iris and Lambchops in Fame (Uk Tour). We Will Rock You (Vienna/Zurich). The Three Musketeers (Berlin).

Helen has also performed in several Pantomimes, been a backing dancer for The Pet Shop Boys at the Royal Opera House and filmed various adverts for companies such as Hilton Hotels and Nintendo.

She always remembers her time at Basic so fondly.

“Basics is where I learnt the very foundations of theatre and performance. It is there I honed skills that I later carried on in a professional capacity. However, most of all I just remember making the best friends, the best memories and having the time of my life!”

Rhiain Thornton

Rhiain trained at basics for 12 years where she performed in numerous different productions.

Whilst starting off performing in her own gigs and attending rehearsals Rhiain was studying musical theatre at The Manchester College.

Following her years at basics and college Rhiain went on to perform at various different holiday parks around the UK. Rhiain then received an opportunity to perform abroad in Cyprus as a tribute to the one and only ADELE which she went on to successfully pursue for three years until returning to her home town.

Rhiain now is booked out every weekend performing up and down the country in her own self-contained gigs. With her bubbly, outgoing personality with a dash of the Burnley accent, she’s become a popular choice for many different styles of venues.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunities basics gave me. Meeting friends for life, learning the industry and giving me the confidence to own a stage on my own. Being taught values I’ve been able to adapt to many different scenarios”

Karen Wilkinson

Karen was a student at Basics between 2012 and 2015 and is a 2020 graduate from The Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London where she studied Musical Theatre, graduating with a First Class Degree.

Since graduating, Karen’s West End credits include: WICKED Swing/ Understudy Elphaba (Karen made her debut at Elphaba in August 2026) (Apollo Victoria) “STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE” playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre (West End) Phantom of the Opera (West End). Other credits include: SPEND SPEND SPEND (Manchester Royal Exchange) Karen has recently wrapped filming on a confidential TV Comedy Pilot.

“I believe that my time at Basics had a huge impact on where am I today. I went into the studio as a very shy, quiet person and left having discovered a new-found confidence and discipline to pursue the career I’d always dreamed of. I will always look back at my time at Basics with fond memories of the people and shows that made my time there so special.”

We are the original, largest and arguably most successful Theatre School in East Lancashire.

Here are some of the schools our students have gone on to further their training at:

The Hammond

Italia Conti

Bird College

MountView

Arts Ed

London College of Music

PPA

Northern Ballet School

Sylvia Young Theatre School

Rose Bruford College

Phil Winston’s

London School of Musical Theatre

Liverpool Theatre School