Tyler Brooks - Lord of the Flies

For me it’s a great kickstart to what I want to do

by lizzoutline 3 October 2014

Tyler Brooks is 16 years old and studies Dance at City College here in Norwich. He’s one of just a few lucky local boys who was chosen by the Matthew Bourne New Adventures company to join professional dancers for their latest show, Lord of the Flies. Some of the boys chosen had very little dance experience and others quite a bit. We spoke to Tyler to find out how he’s feeling ahead of the show…

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve just started a BTEC in Dance at City College. I only started properly dancing at GCSE level, about 2 years ago. I’ve always danced since I was little but I started properly with a dance group in Swaffham doing some musical numbers. When I started high school my dance teacher got me into it and it all happened from there. I realised I wanted to dance professionally, all day every day; it’s my passion!

How did you get involved in Lord of the Flies?

When I auditioned at City College for Michael Stannard, who is now my dance teacher, he recommended that I get in contact with Matthew Bourne’s company to see if I could get an audition, as it was such a great opportunity for me as a male dancer.

Matthew Bourne’s Company are so influential and important in modern dance. How does it feel to be involved with them at such an early stage of your career?

For me it’s a great kickstart to what I want to do. I’m so lucky to have been given the opportunity to perform in this show!

What’s this version of Lord of the Flies like?

The story behind our version is based around the bombing during WW2. It’s a group of very posh, British schoolboys who get pushed into an abandoned theatre as protection from the bombings. The theatre gets locked and they get forgotten about. It’s the story of how they turn from being civilised human beings into savages. I read the book twice beforehand as I loved it so much. It has such a gripping, emotional storyline.

Do you play a certain character in it?

There are eight professional dancers in it that are playing the main roles like Jack, Piggy and Simon. There are certain parts for the show that we’ve been told will be filled by some of us once we start practising, but no one knows who they are yet. We start rehearsals this Saturday.

Are you nervous?

Extremely! I’ve done dance shows before, but to able to do one at the Theatre Royal with a professional dance company…it’s very overwhelming. It’s a weird feeling to know you’ve been chosen to do that.

What do you hope to do once your course finishes in two years time?

I’d like to go to the University of the Arts in London and do a degree in dance, and perhaps drama as well. I took GCSE Drama and got an A* , and it’s very helpful to have that background.

Is there a particular dancer that inspires you?

Purely for my love of tap dancing I’d have to go with Adam Garcia. He’s a real role model for me; he’s done theatre, shows, companies, tours…he’s done everything.

Which musical would you like best to be in?

I’ve always wanted to dance in Cats, from a very young age, but I never thought I’d be able to. However, from my recent opportunity with Lord of the Flies, it’s making me think it’s a possibility!

Lord of the Flies is at the Theatre Royal 19th-22nd November. More information and tickets are available from theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.