Camden children took to the stage today with the cast of hit production STOMP as part of a campaign to encourage exercise across the borough.

Ham & High: Argyle Primary School pupils get stomping with brushes, emulating the opening scenes of the hit West End show.Argyle Primary School pupils get stomping with brushes, emulating the opening scenes of the hit West End show. (Image: Archant)

A troupe of 15 children from Argyle Primary School walked their daily mile from King’s Cross to the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, before taking to the stage for rhythmic brushing and stomping exercises and a photo opportunity with cast members from the show.

An element of the wider ‘Camden walking’ campaign is the promotion of the daily mile – a project run in many of the borough’s schools which sees every child spending 15 minutes a day running, jogging or walking on top of their regular PE lessons.

Headteacher Jemima Wade said: “This was a daily mile with a difference for our pupils! Physical education, culture and arts are all something we are passionate about and it was fantastic to have been able to combine them all, with pupils taking to the stage with the cast of a globally-renowned stage show.

“It was an unforgettable experience that will hopefully motivate others to get active, regardless of age.”

STOMP, which last year celebrated its 25th anniversary, uses familiar objects to create a rhythmic universe exploding with energy, where anything can be turned into a beat, and anybody can pound a pattern and get active.

Fraser Morrison, casting director and original cast member, said: “Our show is based on movement and activity, so it was a natural link to join forces with Camden Council and Argyle Primary School for a campaign to get people of all ages more active.

“We cover several miles on stage every night, in which we try to convey the fun, excitement and exhilaration of physical exercise, whether you are sweeping the floor briskly with a broom or zipping through the supermarket on your shopping trolley.

“The benefits of exercise expand the health of mind and body.”

As part of the campaign, the council is also promoting walking routes and walking groups in the borough on Twitter (#camdenwalking) and Facebook and online, as well as a Spotify playlist to listen to whilst walking, and an App called Active 10 which tracks your walking and shows when to increase pace in order to deliver health benefits.

Councillor Georgia Gould, the council’s education chief, said: “Brisk walking is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into a daily routine and be active. It can be done anywhere, and can also be done creatively – as demonstrated by children from Argyle Primary School and the cast of STOMP.

“Camden is full of wonderful walking routes and the council also helps organise health walks, which are free and designed for anyone, including those new to exercise. Visit oneyoucamden.org/walking to find out how you can take part.”