Sixteeen Local Boys Chosen to Perform in Mathew Bourne's New Production of Lord of The Flies

Following a lengthy selection process, 16 boys from the North East have been chosen from over 300 auditionees to perform in legendary choreographer Matthew Bourne’s thrilling new production of Lord of the Flies at Theatre Royal this winter (5 -8 November ‘14). Over the summer, boys and young men aged between 10 years and 25 years from across the region were invited to attend one of several free workshops. No previous dance experience was necessary, and over 300 took part. Around 120 boys and young men were selected from the workshops for the final audition, which took place in September. The lucky 16 who have made the final selection and will perform in Lord of the Flies at the Theatre Royal this November are: Ruben Copley aged 11 from Northumberland, Joe Derbyshire aged 13, Finlay Murray aged 10 and Sam Carruthers aged 13 from Newcastle, Amonik Melaco aged 13 from Monkseaton, Louis Swanepoel aged 12 from Jesmond, Carl Hughes aged 15 from Northallerton, Jack Hindmarch aged 13 from Washington, Nathan Denton aged 13 from South Shields, Ciaran Oakley aged 13 from Stockton on Tees, Marcel Li Ping aged 13 from Middlesbrough, Andrew Davison aged 17 from Seahouses, Andrew Ashton aged 17 from Cleveland, Robin Larkin aged 17 from Gateshead, John Hansford aged 19 from Peterlee, Joseph Wright aged 20 from Sunderland. The chosen group range in age from 10 to 21 years and come from all corners of the region fromStocktonto Northumberland. The opportunity was brought to the region by Newcastle Theatre Royal and Dance City in a unique partnership with New Adventures and Re:Bourne. Lord of the Flies by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Re:Bourne  (the company’s charitable arm) is a thrilling new large-scale dance spectacular choreographed by Olivier nominated Scott Ambler, adapted and directed by Matthew Bourne and Scott Ambler, and based on the classic novel by William Golding. New Adventures has created some of the most successful shows of the last 25 years, including Swan Lake, Nutcracker! and Sleeping Beauty. Lord of the Flies is a rare and distinctive collaboration that brings together professional dancers with young people, many of whom who have never danced before. The success of the production is mutually reliant on a unique partnership between some of theUK’s most exceptional dance talent alongside local people chosen from each of the 13 cities the show visits. The non-professional performers join the cast of New Adventures dancers, including Sam Archer as ‘Ralph’, Ross Carpenter as 'Maurice', Luke Murphy as ‘Sam’, Sam Plant as ‘Piggy’, Philip King as ‘Eric’, Danny Reubens as ‘Jack’ and Dan Wright as ‘Roger’. Making their New Adventures debut’s in this production will be Layton Williams as ‘Simon’ and Jack Hazelton. The action is transferred from deserted island to deserted theatre. A group of schoolboys find themselves abandoned. With no adults around they start to make their own rules and create their own civilisation, before order breaks down and the story builds to an electrifying climax. Golding’s legendary characters Ralph, Piggy, Jack and the boys will be brought to life with raw energy and emotional intensity. Matthew Bourne said: “Lord of the Flies is a project never before mounted on the large-scale. This unique collaboration between my production company, New Adventures, and charity, Re:Bourne will enable young people and their families across the North East to experience dance at close hand, and for many, for the very first time. Our outstanding company of professional dancers will inspire and nurture the young cast which will not only be exciting, but for some, life-changing”. Kate Pilbeam, one of two Lord of the Flies ambassadors who have led the workshops said: “We have met so many talented boys and young men over the last few weeks. It has been amazing watching them dance and we’ve been so impressed by the level of talent. This has made it very difficult to make a final decision, however we are confident that we have found 16 brilliant young dancers who will be excellent cast members.” Philip Bernays Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “This is a unique and very exciting opportunity to engage with and inspire young men in the region. I can’t wait to see the show when it opens here in November; I’m sure it will be an amazing and very special production.” Dance City Artistic Director Anthony Baker said: “We couldn’t be more proud. We have found 16 talented dancers to be part of this prestigious production. We have also met so many other inspiring boys and young men along the way and we do hope that they will continue to enjoy dancing and seek out opportunities in the future.” Set and costume design in Lord of the Flies is by Olivier Award-winner Lez Brotherston, music is by Terry Davies, lighting design by Chris Davey and sound design by  Paul Groothuis. Touring Directors are New Adventures principal dancers Adam Galbraith and Alan Vincent. The production is supported by Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales in addition to other major trusts and donors. Originally commissioned by Glasgow Theatres, part of Ambassador Theatre Group. Lord of the Flies appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 5 – Sat 8 November 2014. Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees Thu 2pm & Sat 2.30pm. Tickets are from £11.50 (a booking fee of 95p - £1.95 will apply to most tickets) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk