11-04-2025
Darlington primary school students to star in professional ballet production
Ten children from a Darlington primary school will join the professional cast of an enchanting production of classic fairy tale Snow White.
The Heathfield Primary School youngsters will join the professional cast of Ballet Lorent's upcoming production of Snow White at Darlington Hippodrome on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.
The Year 2 and 3 pupils, aged between six and eight, were selected from a group of 109 during a workshop held at the school by Ballet Lorent dancers Gavin Coward and John Kendall.
Some of the pupils from years 2 and 3 at Heathfield Primary who will perform in balletLORENT's Snow White at Darlington Hippodrome (Image: PROVIDED) Chosen for their enthusiasm and spirit, the children will perform in two scenes alongside the company's professional dancers.
Mrs Craggill, class teacher at Heathfield Primary, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for children from our school to be involved in a new skill and perform in a live theatre to an audience.
"They are all really excited to be chosen and looking forward to starting rehearsals."
balletLORENT's Snow White with community cast (Image: THE TWINS) Eight-year-old Divine, one of the pupils taking part, said: "I really enjoyed the workshop because it inspired me to join a company and take part in a production.
"Outside of school I play football and sometimes volleyball. I'm a little bit nervous because I have performed in front of people I know but to perform in front of strangers makes me super nervous."
balletLORENT's Snow White red scarf (Image: THE TWINS) James MacGillivray, education and projects manager at Ballet Lorent 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."
balletLORENT's Snow White (Image: THE TWINS) The pupils will appear in both versions of the show. The family-friendly Snow White, suitable for ages five plus, is a reworking of Ballet Lorent's acclaimed 2015/16 production.
Snow White: The Sacrifice, aimed at audiences aged 16 plus, explores the Wicked Queen's fear of aging and premiered in Newcastle in 2024.
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Narration is by award-winning actor Lindsay Duncan, with music composed by Dr Who's Murray Gold.
The cast includes Caroline Reece, 61, as the Queen and Geoff Hopson, 54, from Stockton, who returned from retirement to perform in the production.
Tickets start from £14 and are available from Darlington Hippodrome at
