Children from a Darlington primary school are taking to the stage at the Hippodrome later this month to perform in a professional production of the evergreen fairy story Rapunzel.
The 12 Red Hall Primary School students, all aged between seven and nine, will join the cast of contemporary dance theatre company balletLORENT’s production.
The show is being staged as part of the Newcastle company's 30th anniversary year, on May 18.
The year three and four pupils will be part of an impressive line-up of talent, which includes costumes by award-winning designer Michele Clapton (Game of Thrones; The Crown; Mamma Mia), a classical soundtrack by Murray Gold (Dr Who; Gentleman Jack; It's a Sin), and narration by leading British actor Lesley Sharp (The Full Monty; Scott and Bailey; Three Girls).
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The children were selected following a workshop by balletLORENT at the school, organised by assistant head teacher Naomi Henry.
Naomi said: “We took the children to see a pantomime at Darlington Hippodrome in December, where we were approached by James from balletLORENT.
"He asked us if we would be interested in doing some partnership work with them and we said ‘yes, absolutely’ straight away. It’s the sort of opportunity that doesn’t come along often and a brilliant chance for our children to experience something that would otherwise be out of reach.
“After we’d discussed all the details, balletLORENT came into the school and did an hour’s workshop for each of the year groups in years three, four and five. From there, they selected 12 children to take part in the live performance.
“Everyone at school is incredibly proud of the children, and, along with their parents and carers, we’re all so grateful they have this opportunity. It’s lovely to show them the possibilities of a career in performing and what they could achieve from it when they’re older.”
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With their school situated just two miles from the theatre, and many having enjoyed watching a show there in the past, the children; Ava-Mae, Mia, Mason, Heidi, Leo, Kieran, Carter-James, Annalise, Oakley, Skye, Sophie, and Rory a,re taking it all in their stride.
“I'm feeling good about it,” said Sophie.
“The workshop was so fun. When I was picked I was nervous because I didn't know what exactly I would be doing. I am excited though, and I have just performed on that stage at a dance festival so I can't wait to do it again.”
Heidi said: “I was really happy to be picked after the workshop - I really enjoyed it,” she says. “I just love being on the stage - I have done performances for dance since I was two!”
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For Carter-James, the experience is a little more daunting.
“I am a bit scared and nervous about how many people will be in the audience watching me,” he said.
“But I am also excited to be there and to perform on a stage where I’ve seen shows by other people.”
In balletLORENT’s version of the timeless fairy-tale, specially written by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, a flame-haired Rapunzel becomes entrapped in the tower with only a possessive witch and her pet creatures for company.
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A prince, drawn by the sound of her singing, attempts to rescue her, but they end up rescuing each other.
Rapunzel is suitable for ages 5+ and the show is narrated throughout, helping the youngest audience members to follow the story.
An adult retelling, called Rapunzel After Dark, has been made for audiences aged 16+ and will be at Darlington Hippodrome on May 17.
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