CHARITY was the keyword when The Sabatini School of Dance and Performance celebrated their 25th year- during which time they have raised more than £90,000 for charity.

The ages range from two up to the ‘wrinklies’,as they are lovingly called, many of whom have been with the school for its whole 25 years.

There was a guest appearance from the University of the Third Age to swell the proceedings.

This was not just a dance show- although there was plenty of that- but a variety show with singing, music and a very irreverent MC, Richard Carr, who went out of his way to insult the performers at every opportunity.

Before the start of the show, pictures of previous shows were projected onto a large screen bringing back happy memories.

A lively opening number got the proceedings off to a great start, followed by some young singers.

There were songs from Annie and a song and guitar solo. A lively tap routine, Hit the Road Jack, was well received by all in attendance.

The second half opened with a tap boogie followed by a bird ballet with woodpeckers, chaffinches, blue tits, robins kingfishers and ravens which was a delight to behold.

There were so many great numbers it would be impossible to name them all.

It is not known at this time how much profit was made for charity as the cost of hiring the theatre has to be met, but the raffles both in the afternoon and the evening together raised the grand sum of over £500 for Cancer Research UK.

Principal Anne-Marie Sabatini should be justly proud of yet another fantastic show, with hard work from the parents to make the gorgeous costumes and assistance from her teaching staff.

Everyone gave their services free which makes this even more special. Well done the Sabatini School- you have pulled off another triumphal exhibition of dance, musicality and performance which was a joy to watch.