A DREAM comes true for talented students from the Sue Latham School of Dance this Saturday when they take to the Palace Theatre stage with a true giant of children’s entertainment – Basil Brush.
The youngsters, aged from nine to 14 years old from the Matchborough-based dance school, had just one month to prepare their routines and won’t actually have a costume rehearsal until three hours before curtain up, when they’ll also meet the mischievous fox for the first time.
“I had to select 12 students and they had to quickly learn five routines for the show,” said Sue, who is celebrating 50 years as a dance teacher, 30 of them in Redditch.
And the producers of the show, Beauty and the Beast, which also stars childrens entertainer Keith Chegwin and the wonderful Anne Hegarty, knew they were turning to a seasoned professional when they asked Sue to arrange the routines.
“I’ve only had such short notice once before in all my days, but I’ve got past students performing in the West End and all over the world so I knew we could do it,” said Sue.
“The children are all very excited to be meeting Basil Brush, we’ve had about a month to get it all together and they have performed brilliantly.”
The students are due at the stage door of the Palace at 12 noon to be fitted for their costumes before they run a few rehearsals with the rest of the cast ready for curtain up at 3pm with a second performance set for 7pm.
Tickets are £16, £14.50 (disc) and £54 (family) on 01527 65203 or in person from the box office or visit www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/ .
The Sue Latham School of Dance attracts students from all over the West and South Midlands. For more details call 07740 530421.
A dream come true – Basil Brush who is at the Palace Theatre this Saturday, April 3.
