City drama school principal who inspired generations
A RENOWNED drama school principal who dedicated her life to promoting the stage arts in Birmingham has died at the age of 86.
Patricia Yardley’s name is synonymous with both drama training and the internationally acclaimed Birmingham School of Acting (BSA) – now part of Birmingham City University – after her mother Pamela Chapman founded the school in 1936.
Miss Yardley, who died in hospital from pneumonia on February 21, started teaching at the school in the 1960s, becoming its inspirational principal in the 1980s until her retirement in 2000.
Originally named the Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art, BSA is now based at Millennium Point where the centrepiece Patricia Yardley Studio ensures her name is remembered to this day.
Miss Yardley was born in Northfield and attended King Edward VI High School. She later trained in Greek dance, mime and drama at the renowned Ginner-Mawer School of Dance and Drama.
In her early 20s she worked as a teacher in schools across the Midlands before joining and directing The Burlington Players, an amateur drama group based in Aston, in the 1950s.
On taking over the principal’s position of the Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art from her mother, she worked tirelessly to develop it, encouraging new courses and building staff skills.
She personally taught and directed students, oversaw all aspects of training and was passionate about student welfare.
Miss Yardley led the school through its most difficult period when funding for students was being cut and morale was at a low ebb.
Determined that vocational training and the broadest access to it should to be maintained, she became an innovator for change.
Her mission was to see the school become part of the university and she even went as far as remortgaging her home to achieve this. Her vision became reality in 2005 and on the completion of a much-heralded integration, the university recognised her worth with an honorary professorship.
Chairman of trustees at Birmingham School of Acting, Euan Rose, said: “Patricia made a difference to the lives of so many people – staff, students, graduates and friends alike were helped by her to achieve their full potential and aspirations.”
Miss Yardley’s funeral takes place at 1.15pm on Friday March 17 at Redditch Crematorium and a tribute concert will be held at Birmingham City University in the coming months.