Nanny McPhee, Peacock Theatre

Classical ballet might demand too much from young attention spans, but what about if the dancers are children themselves, and the story is adapted from a favourite family film?

To celebrate 20 years of helping children follow their dancing dreams, the London Children’s Ballet has choreographed a riotous ballet based on Nanny Mcphee . The blockbuster film, penned by Emma Thompson (who also plays the title role) follows seven cheeky children. Their devious high jinks have scared away all other nannies and left the whole family in a muddle, until the eccentric Nanny Mcphee appears. With lots of laughs and little magic, she tames the children and restores peace.

Oscar-winning actress Thompson was so impressed by past London Children's Ballet productions that she allowed the charity to use the film rights for free. The dance troupe has 13 sell-out ballets under its belt, but this show marks a rare shift from fairy-tale classics to a modern tale of barmy adventures and unruly tricks. An original score, performed by a live orchestra, will add to the magic as a cast of 56 dancers, aged just 9-16, take to the stage at Sadlers Wells Peacock Theatre in an energetic spectacle of childish escapades. 14-year-old Annabelle Adey plays the title role of Nanny Mcphee. The talented young ballerina, who has been dancing since she was two, describes the experience of such a big production as ‘a dream’. Whether you want to inspire your own budding ballerinas, introduce the youngsters to the joys of going to the ballet or catch a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars, this will be a charming evening for all the family.