Leading role brings ballet star home

Buy photos » Ballet dancer Chris Trenfield previously starred in Matthew Bourne’s Play Without Words. (s)

ALVECHURCH'S very own Billy Elliot will be taking the stage in front of nearly 2,000 people in a ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty.

Chris Trenfield, who grew up in the village and went to North Bromsgrove High School, danced his way to the top after landing the star role of Sleeping Beauty's love interest.

The Gothic love story, which has received rave reviews in London, takes place in the 19th century and moves into the modern day as Sleeping Beauty wakes.

The 25-year-old, who has been dancing since the age of five, said he was looking forward to next month's performance at Birmingham's Hippodrome.

"It's so nice to be able to come home. It was one of the first stages I ever performed on, so it feels really great to be going back," he said.

"I get to do the one thing I love and also get to stay with my mum which is great too."

He added although the workload was intense, he could not be happier.

"This is something I have wanted to do since I was a child and I still enjoy it just as much. Everyday I'm extremely thankful to be working in such a great performance," he said.

"Matthew Bourne manages to turn the classic on its head, creating this supernatural story with fairies and vampires as well as changing the traditional prince charming to a worker on the land. It's really exciting to be part of such a fantastic ballet."

The show runs from February 2 to 9. Visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com for more information or to book tickets.

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