Local Youth Cast in LORD OF THE FLIES at Theatre Royal Glasgow, Running 11-14 June

Twenty two young men and boys, from across Central Scotland, have earned the opportunity to perform with Matthew Bourne's renowned dance company, New Adventures, in the anticipated return of Lord of the Flies at the Theatre Royal Glasgow from Wednesday 11 until Saturday 14 June 2014.

These lads from Glasgow and the surrounding areas, aged from 9 to 25 years old, have stood out among over 160 young hopefuls who have taken part in workshops and auditions over the past few months; finding the best male dance talent in the region and even encouraging those who have never participated in dance before.

The twenty two young cast members are:

From Glasgow: Neil Gibson (10) from Glasgow City; Adam Quinn (10) from Govan; Jacques Heraghty (11) from King's Park; Marcus Hyka(12) from Hogganfield; Ryan Adams(17) from Ballieston; Jatinder Singh Randhawa (18) from Garrowhill, Ross McNally (20) from Castlemilk; Kieran Semple (12) from Auldhouse.

From East Dunbartonshire: John Selkirk (11) from Bearsden, Roderick Gilkison (11) from Bearsden

From Renfrewshire: Cameron Johnstone (12) from Linwood

From East Renfrewshire: Tommy Zing (11) from Newton Mearns

From North Lanarkshire: Taylor Browning-Walker (9) from Motherwell

From South Lanarkshire: Charley Austin (12) from Uddingston; Paul Kenny (15) from Bothwell; Colin Fyfe (25) from Lanark

From South Ayrshire: Kieran Shannon (20) from Girvan

From Edinburgh: Fraser Livingston (12) from Edinburgh City

From East Lothian: Euan Garret (10) from North Berwick

From West Lothian: Jay Allan (15) from Whitburn, Blair Flucker (19) from Kirknewton

From Argyll and Bute: Isaac Bowry (18) from Oban

Re:Bourne Executive Director, James Mackenzie-Blackman, said:

Taylor Browning-Walker, 9, from Motherwell is the youngest member of the cast and has had an unforgettable experience so far: "I have always enjoyed dance and drama alike, but these workshops have inspired me so much more. I love Jack's intimidating dance and the freedom to move across the room. With an all-male cast, there is a fabulous vibe. The experience has been absolutely exhilarating and one I will remember for the rest of my life."

They will perform alongside New Adventures' professionals Sam Archer as 'Maurice', Luke Murphy as 'Sam', Dominic North as 'Ralph', Sam Plant as 'Piggy', Alastair Postlethwaite as 'Eric', Danny Reubens as 'Jack' and Dan Wright as 'Roger'. Making their New Adventures debut's in this production will be Manchester-born Layton Williams as 'Simon' and Jack Hazelton.

This unique concept, allowing local talent to collaborate with professional dancers, was spearheaded by ATG Glasgow's Creative Learning team in 2011. Following its critically acclaimed success Lord of the Flies is now back at the Theatre Royal, on the stage where it all began, as part of a UK tour which engages with youngsters from each city the show visits. The project is delivered by New Adventures in partnership with the company's charitable arm Re:Bourne who work to find, develop and inspire the next generation of dance-theatre professionals.

Glasgow Dance Ambassadors Hayley Earlam and Lucy Wild have been hosting open sessions and working with schools to seek out and nurture local talent. Hayley said: "A lot of the boys who've never experienced dance before have flourished into enthusiastic performers. It's a great privilege to help people realise their potential. We're so impressed by the progress made by all the boys and when the show is on Lucy and I will be standing in the wings crying with pride."

James Haworth, General Manager at the Theatre Royal Glasgow, said:

"We are proud that New Adventures is returning to the Theatre Royal with this remarkable production, bringing a unique opportunity for young people to be part of this powerful dance spectacular. We are committed, through our Creative Learning programme, to finding and developing local talent and it has been a joy to see the dedication and enthusiasm of these boys and young men as they develop skills as performers and grow as individuals."

Lord of the Flies is choreographed by Olivier Award-nominee Scott Ambler and adapted and directed by New Adventures' Artistic Director Matthew Bourne and Scott Ambler. The project is a rare collaboration which brings together professional performers with young aspiring dancers. No previous experience was needed to apply; just raw talent, passion and commitment.

Lord of the Flies was originally commissioned by Glasgow Theatres, part of Ambassador Theatre Group.

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