This is Staffordshire --
CHARLES Dickens gets a toe-tapping makeover thanks to a dance studio's latest production.
Olivia is a musical based on the Victorian author's classic tale Oliver Twist.
But where the central character is an orphan boy in the original story, Defy Gravity Studios' version follows the fortunes of a brave heroine instead – played by nine-year-old Carys Brett.
The Tunstall-based dance school, above, is staging the all-singing, all-dancing show at Stoke Repertory Theatre from Thursday, January 31.
Defy Gravity director Laura-Ann Smith says: "Originally we wanted to do Oliver, but this script is perfect.
"Because we've got so many girls at the studio, it fitted in with what we wanted to do.
"The score features all original songs."
The 31-year-old, from Wolstanton, set up her studio four years ago.
It follows a successful career as a professional dancer that saw Laura-Ann perform in music videos, on cruise ships and in theatre tours.
A cast of more than 40 children, ranging in ages from six to 15, are taking part in Olivia.
Actress Victoria Gotham is directing the show while Ashley Mellor is musical director.
"For many of these youngsters it will be the first time they have been on stage and their talent and enthusiasm is outstanding", says Victoria.
"This is our first musical," continues Laura-Ann.
"It's completely new for everybody but the kids are absolutely loving it. If we ever had to cancel rehearsals they've been really upset. They are really looking forward to it."
Olivia is at Stoke Repertory Theatre from Thursday, January 31 until Saturday, February 2 at 7pm. Tickets cost £10 and £8 for children. Buy on the door or from 01782 821195. Reported by This is 4 hours ago.
CHARLES Dickens gets a toe-tapping makeover thanks to a dance studio's latest production.
Olivia is a musical based on the Victorian author's classic tale Oliver Twist.
But where the central character is an orphan boy in the original story, Defy Gravity Studios' version follows the fortunes of a brave heroine instead – played by nine-year-old Carys Brett.
The Tunstall-based dance school, above, is staging the all-singing, all-dancing show at Stoke Repertory Theatre from Thursday, January 31.
Defy Gravity director Laura-Ann Smith says: "Originally we wanted to do Oliver, but this script is perfect.
"Because we've got so many girls at the studio, it fitted in with what we wanted to do.
"The score features all original songs."
The 31-year-old, from Wolstanton, set up her studio four years ago.
It follows a successful career as a professional dancer that saw Laura-Ann perform in music videos, on cruise ships and in theatre tours.
A cast of more than 40 children, ranging in ages from six to 15, are taking part in Olivia.
Actress Victoria Gotham is directing the show while Ashley Mellor is musical director.
"For many of these youngsters it will be the first time they have been on stage and their talent and enthusiasm is outstanding", says Victoria.
"This is our first musical," continues Laura-Ann.
"It's completely new for everybody but the kids are absolutely loving it. If we ever had to cancel rehearsals they've been really upset. They are really looking forward to it."
Olivia is at Stoke Repertory Theatre from Thursday, January 31 until Saturday, February 2 at 7pm. Tickets cost £10 and £8 for children. Buy on the door or from 01782 821195. Reported by This is 4 hours ago.