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Talented Yorkshire Dancers Set to Take the Stage in Bradford

A talented group of 22 young dancers from across Yorkshire will take to the Alhambra Theatre stage alongside professional dancers from New Adventures to perform in Matthew Bourne’s production of LORD OF THE FLIES, in Bradford from 3 – 6 December 2014.

Published

The young men, all aged between 10 and 22 years old, successfully auditioned following a thorough recruitment process lead by Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Access & Education Department to secure their part in this thrilling new production of LORD OF THE FLIES in Bradford. They are: Freddie Butterfield (age 12 from Thornton), Kahlan Lee (age 15 from Bradford), Jamie McCrory (age 13 from Bradford), Joshua Batty (age 14 from Bierley), Callum Spencer (age 15 from Keighley), Shakeel Brar (age 17 from Bradford), Liam Morgan (age 18 from Bradford), Ben Gillespie (age 22 from Bradford), Angus Lovell (age 11 from Ilkley), Daniel Burgess (age 12 from Ilkley),  Matthew Lyons (age 10 from Yeadon), Kurtis Lee Clarke (age 13 from Leeds), Carter Burnell (age 13 from Leeds), Joseph Robinson (age 13 from Barwick in Elmet), Daniel Natrass (age 16 from Wakefield), William Taylor (age 18 from Wakefield), Kennedy Mumtanga (age 16 from Wakefield), Oliver Crossley (age 15 from Todmorden), Alex Hetherington (age 18 from Rossendale), Elliott Augustine (age 20 from Newsome), Ben Van Beelan  (age 11 from Hornsea) and Jay Olpin (age 12 from Sheffield).

15 year old Callum Spencer, from Keighley, is an enthusiastic actor at school yet has had very little dance experience. LORD OF THE FLIES is his first experience of life within the dance world. Callum was selected at South Craven and invited to join pre-audition sessions at the Alhambra Theatre. Upon completion of these sessions, Callum was then selected to join the final cast.

Shakeel Brar aged 17 from Bradford has been performing and working with Dance United in Bradford for a few years. Shakeel also has an interest in commercial dance styles.

12 year old Freddie Butterfield from Thornton, Bradford has been playing Michael in Billy Elliot on the West End. Freddie finished the show at the end of the summer and is now living back in his home town of Bradford and attending Phoenix Dance Saturday School classes.  LORD OF THE FLIES is an important transition in Freddie's young yet established career. 

They will join the cast of New Adventures dancers Sam Archer as ‘Ralph’, Ross Carpenter as 'Maurice', Luke Murphy as ‘Sam’, Sam Plant as ‘Piggy’, Philip King as ‘Eric’, Danny Reubens as ‘Jack’ and Dan Wright as ‘Roger’. Making their New Adventures debuts in this production will be Layton Williams as ‘Simon’ and Jack Hazelton as Golding’s legendary characters are brought to life with raw energy and emotional intensity.

LORD OF THE FLIES is a rare and distinctive collaboration that brings together professional dancers with young people, many of whom who have never danced before. The success of the production is mutually reliant on a unique partnership between some of the UK’s most exceptional dance talent alongside local people chosen from each city and region the show visits.                                                                                                                                                           

Lord of the Flies is devised and directed by Olivier and Tony award-winner Matthew Bourne, choreographed by Olivier nominated Scott Ambler, with set and costume design by Olivier award-winner Lez Brotherston, music by Terry Davies, lighting design by Chris Davey and sound design by  Paul Groothuis.

This production is supported by Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales in addition to other major trusts and donors. Originally commissioned by Glasgow Theatres, part of Ambassador Theatre Group.

Lord of the Flies is at theAlhambra Theatre, Bradford from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 December 2014

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