A STUDENT at a Milnthorpe dance school has successfully auditioned for a part in the New Adventures production of Romeo and Juliet, a re-imagining of the Shakespearean tale by Sir Matthew Bourne OBE.

Patrick King has been at Rigney Bank Ballet School for two years and will join up with the play on the Salford Leg of its UK tour, performing at The Lowry Theatre. He will be joined by Orla Collier, a former student of Rigney Bank who is now in her third year at Rambert in London.

Jayne Mills, principal of Rigney Bank, said: "It is such an achievement for two young local dancers to be performing the work of such a prestigious choreographer."

"I am unbelievably proud of both of them," she added.

Romeo and Juliet is the work of dance-theatre company New Adventures, the artistic director of which is Matthew Bourne OBE.

Mr Bourne is the creator the world's longest-running ballet (Swan Lake) and has received numerous awards for his work. He was awarded an OBE for his services to dance in 2001, and was knighted in 2016.

The UK tour of Romeo and Juliet began with the world premiere of the production at the Curve Theatre, Leicester, last month.

It will visit 13 different venues on its journey around the nation, including The Lowry Theatre from June 11 - 15, where Patrick and Orla will form part of the cast.