Walsall rising star to perform in Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet at Birmingham Hippodrome

Lewis Baker from Walsall, who is training at Flexus Dance Collective, will appear in the production. He says was inspired to dance after seeing Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.

He will joined by fellow successful auditionees of Órla Baxendale, India-Rose Cox, Savannah French, Alexander Love land more as part of the brand new show.

In April this year there was a call-out from New Adventures for currently training young dancers aged between 16 and 19. After attracting over 1000 applications, a UK-wide audition tour took place, the young cast members will perform at each venue alongside the New Adventures Company.

Talking ahead of the production, Matthew Bourne said: “New Adventures’ Romeo and Juliet will be a celebration of youthful energy, talent and creativity both on and off-stage and, uniquely, in all aspects of Choreography, Design and Music through the appointment of a series of young associate artists.

"Our new company for Romeo and Juliet features a staggering 97 young dancers making their debuts with us; some are joining us as part of their third year of training, others have come through our Company initiatives such as Swan School, A Summer Adventure and of course, our production of Lord of the Flies which inspired so many young men to seek careers in dance.

"This time we have focused on nurturing young male and female dancers, and I have been overwhelmed by the talent that we have had to choose from throughout the UK.

"I’m particularly happy to be working alongside my Young Associate Choreographer, Arielle Smith, an exceptional young dancemaker of great maturity and vision.

"In turn, after 30 years as a professional choreographer, I look forward to being refreshed and inspired by what this team of young artists will bring to Shakespeare’s classic tale of tragic conflict and young love”.

The young stars will perform alongside the likes of Cordelia Braithwaite, Andrew Monaghan, Seren Williams, Bryony Harrison, Paris Fitzpatrick, João Carolino, Harrison Dowzell, and Bryony Wood.

They are joined by leading New Adventures artists, Madelaine Brennan, Daisy May Kemp, Danny Reubens and Daniel Wright who will create the 'adult' world of Romeo and Juliet.

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet will run at Birmingham Hippodrome from September 10 to 14.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here