Young Bolton performers finally take to stage for musicals showcase

Pupils of the Dawson’s Academy of Dance and Stage, based on Great Moor Street, are performing on stage next Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.15pm, after their show was cancelled four times because of the pandemic.

Born to Perform was originally going to be performed in March 2020 but when the pandemic hit each lockdown cancelled the group’s plans.

Now 18 months later, Dawn Dawson and her pupils are ready for the shows to take place.

Dawn said: “We have only had a few months to practice but we are ready.

"The whole purpose of the show is to celebrate the kids who have worked so hard to learn their performances.

“They are all so desperate to get on stage. My academy is like a family and it has been so great to see all the parents, teachers and pupils pull together to make these shows happen.”

The Born to Perform shows will feature performances from The Lion King, Matilda, and there will be pupils also street dancing.

The shows will take place at the Albert Halls and tickets have been discounted to half price at £8 because Dawn wants as many people as possible to attend to cheer the pupils on.

She said: “The most important part of the show is having an audience for the kids. It is will definitely be emotional and there will be plenty of tissues used.

“This whole show is for the kids and it’s going to be so rewarding to see them on stage.

“It has been so hard to make this happen because of the pandemic but the support from everyone has been great, we’ve all been in this together.”

The dance academy produces an annual charity performance and have so far raised more than £1,500 for Bolton Hospice.

The academy is now raising money for Backup North West, a charity who provide temporary supported accommodation to homeless and vulnerable young people aged 16-25, with money raised from the raffle, stalls and programmes going to the charity. To buy tickets to the shows call 01204 842481 or go to www.dawsonsacademy.co.uk