The View From My Study 17 January 2025

As you read this, I shall probably be standing under the Ravenscroft Hall stage, squeezing into tights and a dress while trying desperately to commit lines to memory and not smudge my lipstick. This is not a normal Friday evening for me; it is all in the name of theatre!

Pantomime is over 500-years-old and has its roots in the Italian street theatre of the commedia dell’arte in the 16th century. With corny jokes and dubious casting based around fairy tale storylines, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it usually gets the audience going with cheering, booing, clapping and, ideally, laughter. Most importantly it is fun for the whole family which is why it remains popular, especially around Christmas when families are often together.

This week’s staff production of Snow White has been all of the above. With jokes, singing, and dancing galore, this was a panto in the truest of traditions showcasing glamorous heroes, unusual-looking dames (even I didn’t recognise one of them) and a villainous Baroness!

It cannot be said that all who performed were comfortable on stage – some had never done anything like this before – but if we practise what we preach then it is good that we, as staff, are sometimes out of our comfort zone, just like the children. It is good to be reminded of that feeling the children get before they have to perform on stage, or play in a match or speak up in class. And it is good for the children to see their teachers in a different light, putting on a show for them!

How my colleagues managed it at such a busy time of term I cannot say but these are the memories the children cherish and it has been lovely to hear the laughter from all quarters this week. The show has been testament to the hard work of the staff involved, especially Mr Mason and Miss Thompson, who between them have directed, choreographed, starred and cajoled. Bravo to all!