Leading article: Why the nation's young talents deserve to take the stage

Living in a society that often seems dominated, and at times almost oppressed, by a leaden culture of materialism, it is inspiring to know that some of this country's most talented young people are spurning the chance to sharpen their elbows in the boardroom in order to tread the boards of the nation's theatres.

Reports of the financial threat facing the National Youth Theatre, therefore, should send a chill down the spines of all those who recognise that people do not live by bread – or money – alone.

As we report today, the bosses of the theatre that nurtured the talents of some of our best-loved actors are drawing up a rescue plan. We wish them well because closing an institution of this stature to save money would almost be the definition of a false economy.