Chris Bryant Reveals Historic Abuse by National Youth Theatre Head

Published 3 August 2025

Highlights

• Labour MP Chris Bryant has revealed he was sexually abused at 16 by Michael Croft, the former head of the National Youth Theatre.
• The abuse occurred during the summer of 1978, with Croft inviting Bryant to dinner and later to his home.
• Bryant, now 63, has also disclosed being sexually assaulted by five male MPs during his time in Westminster.
• The National Youth Theatre has expressed regret over the historic abuse and stands in solidarity with all victims.
• Bryant's disclosure comes ahead of his memoir's release, highlighting the importance of sharing such stories.

Labour MP Chris Bryant has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by Michael Croft, the late former head of the National Youth Theatre, during his teenage years. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Bryant detailed the harrowing experience that took place in the summer of 1978 when he was just 16 years old.

A Disturbing Encounter

Bryant recounted how Croft, who was approximately 40 years his senior, would invite him to dinner every evening while he attended rehearsals in London. These dinners would invariably end at Croft's home, where one evening, Bryant found himself confronted by Croft, clad only in a silk robe, who then asked for sexual favors. Feeling trapped, Bryant complied, later describing the experience as leaving him feeling like "a 16-year-old whore."

Despite the incident, Bryant maintained a friendship with Croft, even officiating at his funeral. Reflecting on the abuse, Bryant noted that Croft exploited the secrecy surrounding homosexuality at the time, which was largely illegal and stigmatized.

Wider Implications and Support

Bryant's revelations extend beyond his personal experience with Croft. He disclosed that during his tenure in Westminster, he was sexually assaulted by five male MPs, though he has not named them due to the lack of a reporting system and fear of reputational damage. He acknowledged, however, that homophobia in Parliament has declined over his 24-year career.

The National Youth Theatre has issued a statement expressing regret for the abuse suffered by Bryant and others, reaffirming their commitment to supporting victims of historic abuse. They encourage anyone affected to come forward and seek support, despite the perpetrator's death in 1986.

The Importance of Speaking Out

Bryant's decision to share his story is part of a broader effort to encourage others to speak out about abuse. He emphasized the significance of survivors who have managed to cope sharing their experiences, likening it to breaking the silence around bullying. His forthcoming memoir is expected to delve deeper into these personal and political challenges.

What this might mean

Bryant's disclosure could prompt further investigations into historic abuse cases within the National Youth Theatre and other institutions. It may also lead to increased scrutiny of the systems in place for reporting abuse in political settings, potentially driving reforms to protect individuals from similar experiences. As more survivors come forward, there could be a broader cultural shift towards transparency and accountability, encouraging victims to seek justice and support.