Aycliffe dancer Lauren Sproates aged 21 attended Vane Road School and Woodham College and is currently studying professional musical theatre at SLP College Leeds.
From the age of 5 she danced at the Kathleen Davis Stage School in Sunderland, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her family especially Grandad, who drove her 45 minutes to Sunderland and back most days of the week.
At the age of 6 Lauren was chosen for her first pantomime ‘Cinderella’ at the Sunderland Empire. She was one of a few children chosen from hundreds and performed alongside Gladiator ‘Cobra’.
Her adult career in dance includes dancing and singing with pop stars, variety shows, muscials pantomimes and Ballet productions at Birmingham and Sunderland. She has also appeared with international star Wayne Sleep.
Lauren is one of four girls to be chosen as a principal dancer in this year’s pantomime ‘Peter Pan’ at the Sunderland Empire,
She works at Tesco at weekends to help support herself through college.
When she was successful in her audition she needed 6 weeks off work which was a lot to ask as Christmas is one of the busiest times for Tesco.
She wrote to Martin Butcher the store manager and explained the situation and he couldn’t have been more supportive. “He put my education and experience first and allowed me time off for which I am extremely grateful.” said Lauren, but she had to promise him a ticket!
Martin told Newton News the whole team at Tesco were extremely proud of Lauren and whilst one day she would leave her part time job at the store, wished her every succes.
Readers can buy tickets from the Sunderland empire box office or www.atgtickets.com The show runs from Thursday 13th December 2012 till Sunday 6th January 2013
