A PACKED audience at the Opera House was treated to a dazzling display on Saturday (February 12) when youngsters from the region's dancing schools performed Millennium Hits from Great Musicals.

Each of the 17 Lancashire dancing schools taking part performed their own routine in a three and a half hour show with music ranging from Annie to Abba.

The overall quality was superb with each school performing their routine to a remarkably professional level and wearing an array of brilliant costumes.

It's a pity to single out one group, but Blackpool's Whittaker Dance and Drama centre shone with their brilliant Lord of the Dance routine. But all the acts were excellent with enyoyable performances of Oh What A Night by the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, and the Tiptoes School's medley from A Sound of Music. It would not be surprising if more than one of the youngsters who performed on the night become future stars of the stage.

This was the ninth year the show has been staged at the Opera House and there really was something for everyone to enjoy, with songs from everything from classic musicals to modern pop.

The huge popularity of the show means it could get an extended run next year according to director and producer Duncan Jump. "The show gets gets more popular with the public each year."There is a lot of competition now from dancing schools wanting to take part, so the standard is higher than ever," he said.

"Given the show's success we are hoping to put on three or four performances next year."

With people being turned away from this show ,they should have no problem filling the theatre several times over in the future!"

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