It’s not every day that a dancer is handpicked by one of ballet’s greats to take on a lead role with one of the top dance companies before they have even graduated. 

But that is exactly what has happened to James Lovell, an extraordinarily talented young dancer from Dorset, who is graduating from Elmhurst a year early in order to make his professional debut with Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’ in the lead role of The Prince. This is after having been handpicked for auditions by Matthew Bourne himself. And a look back through the archives proves that this is not his first experience as a royal. When he was 15 years old, James played the Prince in the LCB production of ‘Snow White’, his second of three experiences with the company following ‘Nanny McPhee’ in 2014 and preceding ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy’ in 2016. 

James says about joining Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures ‘It’s a complete dream come true and a lot of people have asked me how I got there and what “kept me going” and there’s 3 things, always have fun doing what you’re doing, work hard: don’t put on the brakes for a second, and take every chance to perform as you can because ultimately that’s the goal after all the hard work and training. LCB gave me that opportunity, I performed with them for three years in a row and it was honestly one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Not only do you get to perform to hundreds of people at the Peacock Theatre in London, but you get to meet people who are sharing the same journey as you and even better, you get to inspire the next generation of dancers.’

When we spoke to James in 2014, he echoed his sentiments about LCB: "It’s a professional company with a professional West End theatre, only the adults are all replaced by children who crave the feeling that performing gives you. LCB achieves that dream and for that I am forever grateful.”

With our latest production taking place in July 2019, James has said he will definitely keep his strong connection with the charity alive and will be a visible presence during this 25^th year: ‘LCB will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to visit rehearsals and performances in the following years. See you out there!’ 

Ticket information: 

Tickets for New Adventures’ ‘Swan Lake’ can be bought here.

Premiere tickets for the London Children’s Ballet 25^th anniversary production of ‘Ballet Shoes’ can be bought here. General sale tickets will be available from the Sadler’s Wells website soon.