From hip-hop to acrobatics - this Hartlepool show has got it all

Aladdin seniors and intermediates from the Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts production of Hitting The Heights. Picture by FRANK REID

Rehearsals have gone brilliantly for a new show called Hitting The Heights which is being staged by the town-based Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts.

The show runs at the Town Hall Theatre in Raby Road each night from now on until Saturday, March 4.

Nefeli Karacosta in a scene from Moana during the Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts production of Hitting The Heights. Picture by FRANK REID

Organiser of the show is Val Armstrong who said: “I am really pleased with everything. I think it is probably the best so far.”

A cast of 160 people is performing in Hitting The Heights which has performances at 6.30pm each evening as well as a Saturday afternoon show from 1.30pm.

Val said there were scenes including an acrobatic display, Aladdin riding his magic carpet, and an “exciting new Acro troupe”.

She said the show would feature scenes not seen before and added: “The show runs for about two and a half hours and we have a cast of 160, with people aged from 18 months upwards.”

Genie Ian Taylor in his scene during the Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts production of Hitting The Heights. Picture by FRANK REID

Val Armstrong and her daughter Hollie Sorelle have put together the choreography, and Val has also produced the six-night production.

She added: “The difference is that it is brand-new choreography.”

Val said the show would also include performers from the Urban Rockz academym which is also based at the studios, in Whitby Street South.

“There is a lot of hip hop and a huge variety of things.”

The Aladdin infants and babies who dance in the Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts production of Hitting The Heights. Picture by FRANK REID

Tickets are selling really fast and they cost £10 or £9 with concessions.

Val added: “There are still a few available for the Wednesday.”

They are available either by calling into the studio at 130 Whitby Street South, Hartlepool, TS24 7LP, visiting the Tourist Information Centre in Church Square, contacting the box office on (01429) 890000, or the studio on 01429 284706 or 07739 731876.

Once the show is over, there’s plenty to keep the students busy.

Junior Acro and Monkeys who perform in Aladdin during the Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts production of Hitting The Heights. Picture by FRANK REID

“The children are training for competitions and festivals at Easter. They will also be doing a display in the Middleton Grange shopping centre.

“They are also doing examinations so there is lots coming up to keep us busy.”