WE'VE all been missing live theatre these past 18 months.

Thankfully venues that have lain dormant for so long are now dusting off their seats and throwing open their doors once more.

Tickets appear to be selling well at theatres throughout the land.

We looked back in our archives to find photos of a show which was a sell-out success in 2018.

We're hoping the Big Dance images will trigger lots of happy memories and many of you will recognise the hundreds of youngsters involved

One group paid tribute to their NHS heroes. More than 350 pupils from eight local primary schools spent weeks developing their own routines which they got to perform at the Sands Centre.

They were joined by about 40 dancers from Central Academy's DanceCo outfit, who staged a spectacular opening number from the hit film The Greatest Showman with host Connor Cooke.

Primary schools taking part in this year's event were: Norman Street, Belle Vue, Bishop Harvey Goodwin School, Pennine Way, High Hesket, Stanwix, Inglewood Juniors and St Margaret Marys.

Groups from Rocket Theatre were also taking part, including junior members who staged their version of "It's a Hard Knock Life" from the musical film Annie.

It was the eighth annual Big Dance event.

The show was produced by Denton Holme-based Rocket Theatre Group.

Wendy Boothman, of Rocket, said: "We see such amazing performances from the local primary schools. The standard just gets better every year.

"There is a huge appetite for dance and performing arts in Carlisle.

"The themes have ranged from The Greatest Showman to SATS stress to the Heroes of the NHS.

"The students really get a chance to be creative and work as a team and most of all make he best mentors in doing so."

Sixth formers from Central Academy and its dance company DanceCo delivered workshops to the younger children and were working backstage at the event. Various awards were given.