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James Allen would be dancing, happily, in his grave! The night that half-term started I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Ashmead Primary School join Watergate Special School in their version of Billy Elliott in the JAGS theatre; and the inspired teacher behind all this? None other than a Mr James Allen! We first met James when he arrived at school, unexpectedly, when Jo Billington and Will Feasey were here rehearsing for a JYT show. He was so enthusiastic about his vision, technically complex and certainly ambitious in a performance sense, that, once the Bursar had approved the safety aspects of giving the illusion of flying (!), he was unstoppable.

Will Feasey and Tom Kilner, an impressive double act in their own right, created the set, lighting and sound design they wanted, and we watched with fascination as the children and teachers poured in to JAGS for one rehearsal before their debut performance.

In truth, I found this immensely moving. The teachers had created opportunities for all the pupils to show their movement skills, at whatever level, and to see how the Ashmead pupils, supported by staff, worked with and helped the severely disabled, was remarkable. They were confident, focused and thrilled with their opportunities for very individual characterisation. The audition sequence when Billy tries for a place at The Royal Ballet School gave everyone a special moment, either in performance or on the auditioning panel. The final sequence with the whole company singing and performing the finale- a Robbie Williams number. The lyrics are particularly apt:

But then I feel it move me-like a burning deep inside
Something bursting me wide-open-impossible to hide
And suddenly I’m flying-flying like a bird
Like electricity-electricity
Sparks inside of me-And I’m free-I’m free.

The audience loved it and I loved seeing the excitement on the faces of these children. What an unforgettable experience for us all.

Alison Venn
2 November 2005