Foundation Learning/SEND students were at last able to perform their belated Christmas panto, ‘Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies’ in the College’s ACT theatre in January. The cast were again brilliantly supported by our BTEC Production Arts/Technical Theatre students with the show’s production, stage management, recordings and sound all managed by second year student Lily Warnes, and overseen by Theatre Production Manager, Ian Tyrell, and his crew.
Our team of Foundation Learning/SEND support workers stepped up to the plate, painting and creating character faces. We really do have some very good make up artists in the team!
Foundation Learning/SEND Lecturer, Keith Mellor, explained how the production was pulled together: “The cast are all students on the Foundation Learning/SEND course who rehearsed dances and learned their lines during the first term. There was some disappointment when we were informed the panto could not go ahead but we all pulled together in the new term to make sure the show did go on. “We were not allowed to invite any family members because of the speed that the new Omicron variant was moving through the country so we videoed the performance and posted it on YouTube with a private link to parents and friends. We did invite some staff from the college who thoroughly enjoyed the show, clapping and cheering throughout which the students really appreciated.
“The set was designed by the students on the 11th floor as part of their art and craft sessions. This was then taken to ACT and put together with help from the Production Arts students.”
Student, Faye Servey who played the role of Marian, said: “It was fantastic. It’s a shame our mums and dads couldn’t be here but all the hard work and time spent rehearsing was SO worth it. I can’t wait for the next show.”
James Rogers, who played the Sheriff of Nottingham said: That was excellent, it felt great to be on stage in front of a live audience. I really enjoyed everyone booing me as I came on stage!”
Parents, Julie and Alan Thornton, said: “It was a brilliant panto again. They are all stars, well done to everyone, It was a shame we couldn’t be there but the YouTube link was great.
Kim Shearing, Head of School – Foundation Learning and Employability congratulated the students on behalf of the College Principal adding that “the panto was wicked – Seriously well done!!”
The students are already working on their summer show ‘Mamma Mia’.
