Where do you see the future in 50 years? What would you write to yourself in 50 years time? FirstByte’s new devised show ‘Buried’ asks the bold question:
“When did it all go wrong?”
“Outstanding Youth Theatre”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fringe Review
Read the full review here
“This is not just a promising company—it’s one to watch.”
★ ★ ★ ★
Theatre and Tonic
Read the full review here
Burnley. Now. A group of teenagers are tasked with reaching through time, as they arrive at fateful milestones where decisions must be made. Some thrive while others are left behind. Burnley. Soon. Taking a stand against a looming wrecking ball, a group of hopeful young people come together to confront a bleak reality. Timelines splinter as both groups look towards their hurtling futures, asking the question: when did it all go wrong? FirstByte Theatre returns to give a voice to a generation, navigating an uncertain world in search of hope.
Devised by 9 young people aged 14-18, Buried highlights the hopes, dreams, and fears of the future by bringing awareness to of current day actions and how they could affect the world down the line. Buried provides commentary on global issues such as potential economic collapses, global warming, and over usage of AI whilst also giving an insight into everyday teenage woes which creates a striking juxtaposition.
FirstByte performed 4 performances, Monday 4th August to Thursday 7th of August at theSpace @Surgeons’ Hall.
Buried was directed by Burnley Youth Theatre and FirstByte alumni, Henry Blackburn and Lewis Pugh. The ambitious pair amplified this year’s production with a more elaborate set design that was transported to Edinburgh. This paid off and was extremely effective in telling the young people’s stories.
“From the moment the lights come up, the production commands attention. The clever direction, from Henry Blackburn, makes full use of the intimate space, crafting a claustrophobic atmosphere that suits the subject matter perfectly. Scene transitions are seamless, with inventive use of lighting and sound underscoring tension and driving the momentum forward.”
– Liam Lambie for Theatre & Tonic
We would like to congratulate this year’s group for all their hard work and dedication. This year two members of FirstByte will be moving onto the next chapter of their journeys, Joss Eastwood and Anna Vasey. Though this is their last FirstByte production, they will be developing their talents through a variety of different opportunities at BYT!
Auditions for FirstByte will be coming back around this September! We look forward to a new year of fundraising, discovery, and fringing!
Follow @ByteTheatre_ on Instagram to see Ed Fringe from the perspective of FirstByte!
