Pantomime was on the timetable for some Hellesdon pupils when they received a visit from two stars of the Norwich Theatre Royal show Jack and the Beanstalk.

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

This year's show is set in the Wild West, and cast members Lila Anderson and Joe Press taught Arden Grove Infant and Junior School pupils some western dance moves during a performing arts workshop.

The children learned routines for two of the songs in the pantomime – 5, 6, 7, 8 and Cotton Eye Joe – ahead of going to see Jack and the Beanstalk this weekend.

Among those to take part in the cowboy-themed fun was six-year-old Marshall Leach, who said: 'I liked doing the galloping. We went round in the circle and I learned all the dances. It was a lot of fun.'

His classmate Harry White, seven, said: 'I liked dancing around in a circle although some bits were quite hard.'

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Meanwhile Frances Bevan, six, said: 'I liked everything about the workshop. It was really good working with Joe and Lila.'

Emily Evans, seven, added: 'I liked doing the lasso moves because I liked moving my arms about. I can't wait to see the pantomime. I have been to see one before and it was very cool.'

And even the teachers joined in with the dancing.

Joe Press laughed: 'In some cases, the teachers were just as good as the pupils. They did very well.'

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

His co-star Lila Anderson added: 'It was great to be able to teach the pupils some of the dances from this pantomime. They will now be perfectly prepared when they come along and see Jack and the Beanstalk.'

The learning workshop was part of the school's ongoing links with the theatre as part of an umbrella trust alongside Hellesdon High School.

Jack and the Beanstalk is being performed at the Theatre Royal until Sunday.

Tickets for the pantomime cost £7-£23.50.

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Norwich Evening News: Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Panto stars from the Theatre Royal's Jack and the Beanstalk put pupils from Arden Grove School through their dancing paces. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)