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The founder of the London theatre school which launched countless entertainment careers – has died aged 85

Sylvia had always been a great supporter of The Theatrical Guild and everyone at the charity extends their sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

In a statement, her daughters Alison and Frances announced “with great sadness” that their mother had died “peacefully” on the morning of 30^th July 2025. “Our Mum was a true visionary,” they said. “She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.”

The statement continued: “Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today’s theatre and music world. She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself.”

Young founded her eponymous school in 1972, beginning with part-time classes in the East End of London. The school expanded to a larger space in Marylebone before later moving to its current home in a converted church near Marble Arch. Young was made an OBE in 2005, and in 2022 she received a special Olivier award for “giving countless students the opportunity to study performing arts”.

Sylvia’s daughters concluded their statement by saying: “She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation’s heart. Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life, and lived it to the full. We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends & her students. You all meant the world to her. We will miss her so very much.”