About us
We're a a not-for-profit, all-inclusive theatre group. With our beloved Pamela at the helm, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, we've been creating theatrical opportunities around the High Peak, Derbyshire since 2009.
”I've learnt so much about performing in general through doing these shows, and I've learnt valuable acting skills through Pamela's advice and help.”
- Emily
What we do
We specialise in producing quality Gilbert & Sullivan operettas in a concentrated rehearsal period. Our casts audition, rehearse and perform over the course of a week.
Rehearsals normally start the same day as auditions and performers have the rest of the week to perfect their parts either as a lead role or in the chorus ready for the opening night at the end of the week.
How we're run
Our Governing Board is made up of dedicated volunteers and performers who tirelessly fundraise, organise and donate their time, skills and resources to ensure that each year we can put on some fabulous shows.
Professional creative team
Our creative team are industry professionals who take charge during the rehearsal week and whip up our fantastic productions. PB offers a brilliant opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience working with expert directors and musicians in a welcoming space - both for newcomers and rising stars of the stage.
”I couldn't have asked for a friendlier welcome as a newbie”
- Liddy
Our history
PB Theatricals was formed in 2009 by a group of parents with a vision: making Gilbert & Sullivan accessable to young people in the Peak District. Our intrepid founders chose Pamela Leighton-Bilik, an experienced director from Washington DC, to direct our first productions, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. They named the company PB Theatricals in honour of Pamela, and we have been bringing quality productions to the people of the High Peak ever since.
In the early years, PB Theatricals performed two shows in the summer, one for young people aged 10-18 and another for young adults aged 18-35. Over the years we have expanded our performing opportunities, initially performing a small variety show for the Buxton Festival Fringe, and then adding a Spring Show for all ages.
After being forced to cancel our shows in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we bounced back strong in 2021, performing Iolanthe as one cast aged 10-35. We returned even stronger in 2022 with The Pirates of Penzance and The Sorcerer. In 2023 we restarted our Spring shows, and PBT was fully back in business!
Originally set up as a not-for-profit company, in 2025 we made the decision to restructure and we have applied for Charitable status to help secure our future. Also, after careful consideration, in October 2025 the PBT governing board made the difficult decision that we will not be producing a Youth Show (10–18 year olds) in 2026 (read a statement regarding this decision here). We will however be welcoming people aged 16 and above into our 2026 summer show The Gondoliers.
Since our founding in 2009 we have put on 38 productions, and we're still going strong. We are currently applying to becoming a charity and our committment to putting on high-quality and fun Gilbert & Sullivan productions as epitomised by our values has not wavered. When we say game-changing Gilbert & Sullivan, we mean it.
Come join us, email enquiries@pbtheatricals.org.
