TWO HACKNEY primaries have combined to stage a Best of British concert of “music and dance from the 60s to now”.

It could be just another school show, but its proponents are boasting that the children of Grazebrook and Shacklewell have been coached by professional tutors, including from The Voice and Pineapple Dance Studios and drama therapist Jodie Cariss.

Given the amount of talent that has emerged from Hackney since the time of Marc Bolan (1947-1962) and beyond, and which still gets to the West End, it is possible that you may see the next star, albeit at a formative stage.

The show is said to include tunes by everyone – everyone, really? – from the Spice Girls to One Direction, and Pink Floyd to Robbie Williams.

Nadine Cartner, a school governor, told Loving Dalston that all the children are in the show – an example, perhaps, of the doctrine of inclusiveness. 

She said: “The children work hard to shine on the night. Through that preparation and performance come wonderful learning, confidence, teamwork and self-presentation, as well as music, dance, drama and video skills.”

Hamish Scott 090714 

* The Best of British, Stoke Newington Town Hall, Church Street N16 0JR, on Wed 16 July 2014 at 6pm and Thurs 17 July 2014  at 2pm and 6pm. Good wheelchair access. Free. No booking required.

* Emboldened underscored words in most cases indicate a hyperlink, a reader service rare among websites. If a link does not work, it is probably because the site to which the URL refers has not been maintained.