We’re thrilled to welcome two sets of twins from Firs Primary School in Derby into our professional cast for Snow White, our enchanting reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale.
Seven-year-old Angel and Angelica, along with eight-year-olds Daniel and Andrew, will be joining us on stage at Derby Theatre on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 April 2025. They are part of a group of ten enthusiastic young performers from Firs Primary who were selected to take part following a creative movement workshop led by our dancers at their school on Raven Street.
All the children – aged between six and eight – showed incredible energy, imagination and focus during the workshop, and we’re so excited to have them join us for this special leg of our national tour. While the young cast changes with each city we visit, the Derby performances will feature these wonderful local pupils, adding something truly unique and personal to each show.
This production of Snow White includes narration by award-winning actor Lindsey Duncan – recently seen in The Morning Show on Apple TV – and an original score by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold. It’s an fantastic creative team, and we’re proud that these young performers will get to experience the magic of working alongside professional artists.
Charlotte Moore, music coordinator at Firs Primary, has been a fantastic partner in this process. She shared how meaningful this opportunity is for the children: “balletLORENT has given 10 of our children the incredible opportunity to perform in their professional production, working alongside experienced dancers and actors. This will be a life-changing experience, immersing them in the world of music, drama, and dance – an opportunity they truly deserve.”
Hearing from the children themselves reminds us why we do this work. Angelica told us, “The workshop showed me what being a dancer is like and I loved it. I think I was chosen because I listened carefully and enjoyed working with my friends. I feel really happy – I’ve never been on stage before and I’d like to be a dancer when I’m older.”
Her twin Angel added: “I liked moving like different animals in the workshop. It was fun! I’m excited because my Mum and Dad will see me on stage and they’ll be proud.”
Daniel described how his nerves quickly turned into joy: “We felt nervous when we found out we were performing, then excited! I told my Grandma I’d try my best – and I did. Maybe that’s why they picked me.”
And Andrew said: “Gavin from balletLORENT taught us how to move in lots of different ways – sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly. I was really happy to be chosen because I enjoy acting.”
We believe these kinds of experiences can be truly transformative. As our Education & Projects Manager James MacGillivray explains: “For many children, taking part in a professional stage production is a unique and powerful moment in their lives. It builds confidence, sparks creativity, and helps them grow as collaborators and performers. It also enriches the school community, inspiring both students and teachers.”
Snow White is a visually stunning and emotionally rich piece of dance theatre, suitable for ages 5 and up. This version retains the timeless magic of the original tale while reimagining it with our signature style. Directed by our founder Liv Lorent, the production features performers of all ages – from young children to seasoned dancers like Caroline Reece, 61, who plays the Queen, and Geoff Hopson, 54, who came out of dance retirement to play the King.
We can't wait to share this beautiful production with Derby audiences, and to celebrate the incredible young talent from Firs Primary School on stage with us.
balletLORENT’s Snow White
Friday 25 April (6.30pm) & Saturday 26 April (2pm), 2025
Derby Theatre Main House, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, DE1 2NF
Tickets: £23 – Call 01332 593939 or visit derbytheatre.co.uk
Join us for a magical evening of storytelling and dance.
