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Grimsby school stages Billy Elliot musical and is visited by Royal Ballet professional

A professional from the Royal Ballet visited a Grimsby school as it put on performances of Billy Elliot.

Havelock Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust, organised the show for parents, carers, staff and the wider Grimsby community during the final week of term. The production involved more than 60 children taking on roles in the cast, chorus and crew, all guided by the school’s music and performing arts team, providing audiences with a nostalgic trip filled with song and dance.

The musical stage adaptation of Billy Elliot is based on the well-loved 2000 film set in the North East of England amidst the miners’ strikes of the 1980s. It follows the story of Billy, an aspiring ballet dancer, whose father would rather he took up boxing.

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After some dramatic twists and turns, Billy auditions and secures a spot at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. The show, featuring music by Elton John and script by Lee Hall, is a heartwarming family affair that delves into intricate family dynamics and challenges stereotypes.

Students aged between 11 and 18 at Havelock thoroughly enjoyed learning the songs, lines and choreography for the show. The lead role of Billy was portrayed by Year 8 student Henry, while his older sister Gracie took on the role of the Dance Teacher in some performances.

Some roles were shared between two students who performed on different nights, offering more pupils the opportunity to experience leading roles.

The students involved in the show were given a special ‘rewards’ afternoon on the eve of the opening night, featuring a visit from professional ballerina, Scarlett Harvey, an Artist from the Royal Ballet in London. Scarlett, who originally hails from Cleethorpes and had intended to attend Havelock herself before being accepted into ballet school, led a masterclass for the students, adding final touches to their show.

She also treated them to a performance of the renowned ‘dying swan’ solo from Swan Lake and held a Q&A session with the students. Scarlett expressed her delight at returning to the area to spend the afternoon with the students participating in the show and wished them all the best for their performances.



Havelock Academy, in Grimsby, has been performing Billy Elliot, and received a visit from professional ballerina Scarlett Harvey
Havelock Academy, in Grimsby, has been performing Billy Elliot, and received a visit from professional ballerina Scarlett Harvey

Meanwhile, the house band for the show included staff from Havelock and local musicians in Grimsby. Natalie Lennie, Head of Maths, purchased a new saxophone and relearned the instrument specifically for the production!

The band was directed by Havelock’s Director of Music, Ian Cooke, and also featured academy Principal, Emma Marshall, on woodwind and piano.

Other members include DRET Musician in Residence, Alison Willis, guitarist and teacher, Sam Carlton, Grimsby drummer Kevin Rogers, local English teacher, Peter Kench on brass, and bass player, Mike Sellars.

Nicole Potton, Head of Performing Arts at Havelock Academy, expressed her admiration for the students’ dedication to such a large-scale production with a political plot, saying: “I am so impressed with how the students have thrown themselves into such a big show. The dancing has definitely been my favourite aspect, and that isn’t just the ballet, some of the big ensemble numbers are simply brilliant!”

Jayleigh, a year 10 student who played one of the miners, shared her experience: “I have loved being involved in Billy Elliot this year and really enjoy the buzz I get when I go on stage in costume. Every Friday we stay after school and it is like having another family, who all help each other and all work together to make sure the show is really great. The teachers help us learn our lines and learn the dances and they make it fun and worth all of the hard work.”

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Year 10 pupil Harvey, who was part of the stage crew at Havelock Academy, said: “I have worked with the visiting technician in the sound and light box, to make sure everything on stage looks perfect. I have the best view as I can see the full stage from the back and when I operate the lights, it makes the whole show come alive. I love performing arts and like the fact that I can be involved from a technical point of view instead of being on stage. It is fabulous seeing the full thing come together after a year of hard work.”

Emma Marshall, Principal at Havelock Academy and member of the band, praised the performance, saying: “What a fantastic end of term treat for everyone – it’s been brilliant to take part in such a fabulous show. Well done to all the cast and crew and thank you to the local musicians who also joined us for this amazing performance put on by Havelock students, cast and crew!”

The final performance of Billy Elliot will be tonight (Thursday) at 6pm at Havelock Academy.

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