BBC Radio Manchester visited our school last term to record some thoughts about Victoria Wood, CBE. 

Victoria Wood, a celebrated comedian, writer, and performer, is one of Bury Grammar School’s most distinguished alumnae, (Class of 1971). Known for her sharp wit, observational humour, and exceptional talent, Victoria became a beloved figure in British entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on comedy and drama. 

It was a pleasure to meet with the BBC Radio Manchester team for the Mike Sweeney Show, including Producer Darren pictured below, and we thoroughly enjoyed talking about Bury, our school and our pupils, both past and present. 

Mrs Anderson, Principal, was joined by Mrs Charlesworth, our Head of Drama (and a huge fan of Victoria Wood), students Rocco (School Captain) and Scarlett (Deputy School Captain) who played the leads in our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory school production - which is about to hit the West End, and Millie who recently completed her Extended Project Qualification in comedy and sees Victoria Wood as ‘a real inspiration’.

Victoria was a pupil of Bury Grammar School Girls from 1964 to 1971; she performed on the stage and played the piano (every day and all lunchtime, so we've been told!) in the Roger Kay Hall and came back as an adult to at least one Old Girls' Reunion. Her school friends say she was always hilarious to be around. We have always been very proud to count her among the alumni of our school.

After her time at Bury Grammar School, Victoria studied Drama at the University of Birmingham. Her career began in 1974 when she appeared on the TV talent show New Faces and won. Victoria's career spanned decades, during which she created and starred in iconic works such as Acorn Antiques, Dinnerladies, and numerous stand-up performances. Her ability to blend humour with heartfelt storytelling won her numerous awards, including BAFTAs. Victoria was also awarded an OBE in the 1997 Queen's Honours List and the CBE in the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama. Her work was honoured with other awards too, including the 2005 British Comedy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Comedy.

The 20th of April marked the 9th anniversary since Vicotria sadly passed away. However, Victoria’s legacy continues to inspire audiences and the Bury Grammar School community, reminding all of us of the power of creativity, perseverance, and the value of comedy.

You can listen in, to hear our school representatives on the Mike Sweeney show from 17th April 2025.

BBC Radio Manchester – Mike Sweeny Show

¨  Go to 1:1:50 for our introduction

¨  Go to 1:21:20 for our segment

NB. This link will be active until the end of the day 17 May 2025.

You will hear our fantastic student ambassadors talk about their school life here at BGS, a little about the history of our school and remarkably ‘a lost piece of work that’s never been heard before, never been aired in public’, written by Victoria Wood, aged 15.

We’re incredibly proud of our pupils past and present and it was a pleasure to welcome the BBC into school to share a small piece of this with them, and now with you too!