The Years 2 and 3 pupils from Cyril Jackson Primary School will take to the stage at Sadler's Wells East from Wednesday April 16 to Saturday April 19, alongside balletLORENT's own dancers.
The pupils were selected for their enthusiasm and spirit following a workshop at the school led by balletLORENT's Debbi Purtill and Gavin Coward. All the young performers are aged between six and eight and they will appear in two scenes.
The Sadler's Wells East show is part of a national tour of the Brothers Grimm favourite, however the pupils will not be leaving their studies behind to go on the road. balletLORENT will find a new ‘young cast’ in every location.
With narration by award-winning actor Lindsay Duncan – recently seen on screen in Apple TV’s The Morning Show - and music by Dr Who composer Murray Gold, the children will be part of an impressive line-up of talent.
They will appear in two versions of the show, one which is suitable for ages 5+ and a second version called Snow White: The Sacrifice which is aimed at an adult audience.
Leonie Stafford-Williams, teacher, Cyril Jackson Primary School said: "This is an incredible opportunity for our pupils to discover the power of expression through ballet. It allows them to channel their creativity in a productive and inspiring way, helping to shape them into confident and well-rounded individuals."
Alice Tomlinson, also a Cyril Jackson teacher, said: "This is a wonderful experience for our children, giving many of them the chance to explore something completely new. Opportunities like this aren’t always easily accessible, so it’s fantastic that they get to be part of such a special performance."
Matilda Heisslerova, 7, said: "I think I was chosen because I show a lot of effort and enjoy dancing. I also like to play the dancing show game with my friends. I am excited to perform in Snow White. I love Snow White!"
Sufyan Tariq, 7, said: "I think I was chosen because I am always dancing, when I have a chance to. I am really happy to be performing in Snow White because now I can dance for as long as I like."
James MacGillivray, education & projects manager, balletLORENT said: "For many children, taking part in a professional stage production is a unique and transformative experience. It not only builds their confidence and creativity but also enhances their ability to collaborate, communicate, and express themselves in new ways.
"Schools benefit immensely too from our young cast initiative, as these workshops enrich their arts provision and inspire both students and teachers alike."
Suitable for ages 5+, balletLORENT’s dance theatre version of Snow White retains all the classic elements of the original Brothers Grimm tale, which has been familiar to story lovers for over two centuries. The show is a significant reworking of balletLORENT's 2015/16 Snow White, which delighted audiences around the country and received glowing reviews.
Snow White: The Sacrifice is a new production, which premiered in Newcastle in 2024. Created for audiences aged 16+, it turns the fairy tale on its head, exploring the tortured inner world of Snow White's mother, the Wicked Queen. It is the story of a woman’s dread of aging and her battle against obscurity.
Directed by balletLORENT founder Liv Lorent, the Cyril Jackson Primary children will join a professional cast featuring performers of all ages. Sixty-one year old balletLORENT regular Caroline Reece plays the Queen whilst her King, Geoff Hopson, 54, came out of dance retirement especially for the production.
balletLORENT's Snow White and Snow White: The Sacrifice (16+)
Wednesday 16-Saturday 19 April 2025
Sadler's Wells East, 101 Carpenters Rd, Stratford Cross, London E20 2AR
Tickets from £15
https://www.sadlerswells.com/?s=balletlorent&submit=
Box office: 020 7863 8000