THE story of a dancing boy during the miners' strike has been brought to life in spectacular fashion in a Dalton school's West End worthy production.

Pupils from Dowdales School have been busy performing Billy Elliot The Musical to sell-out audiences this week.

Parents, teachers and fellow students have been treated to a dazzling show, with 14 songs, a dozen dance routines and colourful costumes all creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Billy Elliot is set in a northern mining town during the miners’ strike of 1984/85, and follows his journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.

A total of 101 students from Dowdales School have recreated the classic musical, led by academic team leader for performing arts, Laura Waddington.

The show, originally due to run for three nights, was extended to four nights the week before the performances were due to take place due to popular demand.

Mrs Waddington said: "The popularity of this year's show has been overwhelming and we were delighted to put on an extra performance.

"Having a regular creative outlet is not just part of a well-rounded education – it is essential for a student's emotional health and well-being.

"Producing a show brings various art forms together and provides growth opportunities for a variety of learners.

"We have had fantastic feedback from parents and carers and we cannot wait to start work on next year’s show."

Talented Year 10 dance and performing arts student Patrick King was cast to play the leading role and relished the opportunity to learn ballet and tap, having never before taken classes in the two disciplines.

Patrick mastered both of these dance styles before perfecting the acrobatics to add to his routines.

In the final weeks of rehearsals Patrick injured his wrist but was undeterred by this set back and learnt to do a cart-wheel on one hand.

Rehearsals for the show began at the school in May, and the show opened in the school hall on Monday night to huge applause.

A selection of Dowdales students travelled to London’s West End last year to watch the official production of Billy Elliot , giving them an insight in to the task ahead.

The underlying motto for the show is 'be yourself' and the performance ends with a grand finale which includes all 101 cast members wearing tutus.

Julie O'Connor, Dowdales headteacher, praised the effort of everybody involved.

She said: "Our school show is always one of the highlights of the year and this year’s show Billy Elliot has to be up there as one of the best.

"This was an extremely ambitious show to put together and our students had staff have excelled themselves in every possible way."

Cast

Billy Elliot (Patrick King)

Mrs Wilkinson (Melissa Evans)

Jackie Elliot (Charlie Morgan)

Tony Elliot (Malachi Briant)

Grandma (Cerys Rice)

Mr Braithwaite (Matthew Culley)

Michael (Bailey Parrington)

Billy’s Mum (Isabella Kavanagh)

Older Billy (Henry Chatfield)

Debbie (Rebecca Dodd/Thea Docker)