The Performing Arts Centre was filled with laughter, music, and thunderous applause on Thursday night as the Drama department took to the stage with their annual KS3 pantomime production.

The stage was turned into a colourful fairy-tale world, complete with exaggerated characters, slapstick humour, and audience participation – hallmarks of the traditional pantomime style. Students from years 7 through to year 9 spent this term rehearsing after school every week to bring this lively production to life, kindly supported by students in year 11, both behind the scenes, on stage and playing live music in the band.

For some of our younger students this was their first live performance, and they certainly enjoyed their stage debut. Pantomime is all about energy and connecting with the audience, and having the audience join in and laugh made all the hard work worth it.

James and Alex, who played the Ugly Sisters said: “The pantomime this year was an incredible experience for everyone in it, but being the ‘Ugly Sisters’ was no easy task! We had to wear huge wigs, dresses and over the top make-up, which was an odd experience for us, but we enjoyed every second! (Oh no you didn’t!) But, on a serious note, we both really enjoyed this year’s performance, and we can’t wait to see what awaits us next year!”

As the curtain closed on their performance, the cast took their bows to huge applause, ending the evening with smiles, cheers, and the unmistakable magic of live theatre.