CINDERELLA IN HOLLYWOOD – MAY 25-26

Around 100 young dancers from across the region are getting the chance to star in a lavish production of a much-loved fairytale.
English Youth Ballet is holding auditions to find the talent of tomorrow to perform alongside internationally-renowned principal dancers in Cinderella In Hollywood at Norwich Theatre Royal on May 25-26.
The quest to find them began at Sprowston High School when the young people got the chance to showcase their skills in an extended audition as well as learn from professional performers during a specially created ballet class.

Those who are successful will then get to star in the production which sets the classic story in 1950s Hollywood. Cinderella is a seamstress on a film set while her Fairy Godmother is her late mother who is a former movie star, and the Wicked Sisters are Hollywood starlets competing with each other for major film roles.

It follows the story of the Prince who meets Cinderella at a glitzy press night party. At midnight, she flees the glittering event leaving just a sparkly silver pointe-shoe as the only clue to her identity.

It is the latest visit to Norwich by the English Youth Ballet which is in its 20th successful year and aims to give professional performance experience to young dancers close to where their live. The company’s director Janet Lewis said: “Our audition is an experience in itself. English Youth Ballet is all about this performance experience as the dancers are given a regular ballet class.
“Parents and family are encouraged to watch from the audience. We are looking for young dancers of all abilities who can show the audience how much they enjoy their dancing.”

Those who make it through the audition then get the benefit of being coached and mentored by the professional dancers during an 11-day rehearsal period which happens out of school hours.
And this professional team has danced in some of the world’s greatest companies including English National Ballet, La Scala and The Royal Ballet.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the reality of being part of a professional ballet production. Many of the young people who have been part of previous English Youth Ballet performances here have gone on to enter the professional performing ranks after being both inspired and enthused.”

Cinderella In Hollywood, Friday 25-Saturday 26 May at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets £10-£23.50. Discounts for Under-18s, Over-60s and Groups.
To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000