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Our Performing Arts students have been spreading festive cheer this Christmas by performing their annual pantomime for local primary schools, bringing laughter, energy, and Christmas magic to young audiences.
This year’s panto was entirely devised and performed by the students themselves. The original story follows a group of pupils at a wizarding school who land themselves in trouble after playing with magic. Along the way, they encounter a range of familiar and much-loved characters, including Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, characters from The Wizard of Oz, Nemo, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and Hansel and Gretel, all while on the run from their evil teacher, Mr Nevillewood.
The performances were full of audience interaction, with children eagerly joining in throughout the show. Shouted catchphrases had pupils on their feet, while a high-energy K-pop-inspired moment featuring demon hunters proved a particular hit, helping to bring the Christmas spirit to life at Bury College.
Alongside entertaining local schools, the panto has played a significant role in developing students’ performance and employability skills. Level 3 Performing Arts student Alkan Mungulu, who is currently applying to stage schools and hopes to pursue a career in television acting, spoke about the impact of the experience.
“The panto is very time consuming, but very rewarding. I believe that it’s helping me to not only develop my acting skills as a performer, but skills in general, like being able to react to different things and situations that might occur out there in the real world.”
Fellow student Breanna Wardle, who aspires to be a musical theatre performer, also reflected on the experience.
“For me personally, seeing the little kids with smiles on their faces really makes it for me,” Breanna said.
She added that rehearsals are her favourite part of the course, highlighting the powerful sense of unity within the group and the process of creating energetic performances with well-developed characters.
Krystle Evans, who hopes to attend stage school and eventually perform around the world on cruise ships, said the panto had been a valuable confidence-building experience.
“It’s great for building character and for improving my confidence by performing to different groups of people,” Krystle explained.
Krystle praised the Performing Arts course for the opportunities it’s provided her with - “There’s always an opportunity to get on stage and perform, which is helping to get my confidence up and improve my skills.”
Krystle also praised the support of staff within the Performing Arts department, adding:
“The tutors all make you come out of your shell. I was really scared when I first started here, but you meet so many nice people and I’ve made so many friends. I don’t think anyone needs to be scared.”
A huge well done to our Performing Arts students and staff for delivering another successful festive production and for inspiring local primary school pupils through creativity, confidence, and live performance.
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