Liverpool And Salford Recovery Dancers Prepare To Perform At National UK Recovery Walk

Following sell out shows at The Lowry and the Clore Studio at London's Royal Opera House, Chester based Fallen Angels Dance Theatre is currently in rehearsals for Hell can wait, a brand new dance theatre production that retells stories of addiction and recovery.

Before the work tours in 2018, a sneak peek can be seen at Blackpool's famous Winter Gardens, one of Europe's biggest entertainment venues, on Saturday 9 September 2017 during the national UK Recovery Walk 2017 event.

Under the artistic direction of Paul Bayes Kitcher, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre (FADT) exists to support those in recovery from addiction to transform their lives, and to share the recovery journey with the wider public, through inspiring and thought-provoking dance, dance theatre, performance and creativity.

Throughout the summer, Hell can wait has been developed through FADT's unique practice of creating many critically praised productions ("What Paul Bayes Kitcher, former soloist of Birmingham Royal Ballet achieves is remarkable" said Jonathan Gray, Dancing Times). Starting with story gathering and dance workshops, the company members and participants from the Liverpool and Salford communities, have worked alongside dance professionals to develop the work to be seen in Blackpool.

FADT's work helps to tell many positive stories of recovery. One of the company dancers to perform in Blackpool is Liverpool based Philip Ashby who recently graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree from Liverpool's Hope University. Philip's first experience of dance and theatre was with FADT in 2012 during his rehabilitation from addiction. Inspired by his experiences, Philip enrolled at Liverpool Community College before studying Dance and Drama at Hope University. In addition to his degree, Philip was awarded The Liz Bruen Prize for the Best Performing Student in Dance.

Dr. Zoe Zontou, Senior Lecturer at Liverpool Hope University sites Phil's achievement by saying: "We met Philip nearly five years ago when he was taking his first steps to recovery and his first steps in dancing with Fallen Angels Dance Theatre. We are so proud of all his accomplishments. This is a real example of the power of the arts to transform people's lives."

Paul Bayes Kitcher, Artistic Director of FADT, said: "We are delighted Philip has the opportunity to share his amazing creative and educational achievements whilst inspiring others embarking on their road to recovery. It's estimated that over 5000 people will take part in the UK Recovery Walk 2017 so it's a fitting day for Fallen Angels to share its work and the many positive stories associated with recovery. Philip's story, and those of so many company members, proves that by accessing dance and the arts, it can have a positive effect to lives post addiction."

Philip Ashby of FADT says: "Dance has opened a creative mind for me and I am no longer scared of the future, I am beginning a new and exciting chapter in my life. I have no idea what lies ahead for me but I am up for the challenge and will see what comes my way. The degree and the continued support of friends and colleagues at Fallen Angels Dance Theatre has helped me not to give up, but to push on and achieve my goals. I really hope my story can help inspire others too."

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