SRC Students take on ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ in Annual Pantomime

Panto season has arrived with students at Southern Regional College undertaking the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. This year’s production saw first-year Performing Arts Level 3 Extended Diploma students take to the stage with a playful, western-themed twist on the timeless tale.

The pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk involves a young boy who trades the family cow for five gold nuggets but is duped by a villain who provides him with magical beans instead. In true panto style, the production is packed with humour, colour and audience participation, bringing the much-loved story vividly to life.

This is the first year Performing Arts students have staged Jack and the Beanstalk, having successfully undertaken multiple pantomime productions in recent years. The production takes a multidisciplinary approach, with students from Music, Art & Design, Hairdressing & Beauty departments bringing their expertise together to create another successful pantomime production.

The show welcomed over 700 primary school pupils from Monday 1^st to Thursday 4^th December, who revelled in the festive fun and included visiting schools from the Armagh, Newry and surrounding areas.

Two special evening performances took place on Wednesday 3^rd and Thursday 4^th December, for members of the public to witness the creativity and talent of students involved.

Student Cassie Donnelly from Dungannon takes on the role of villain Flash Creep. Cassie who has been involved in performing arts from a young age has said that the teamwork involved in providing an entertaining experience for all has been second to none, and rivalling productions put on by professionals in the Grand Opera House, but on Armagh’s doorstep.

The production team at the College created this year’s pantomime to provide comedy for both children and adult members of the audience. Student Amy-Lee Loney from Derrytrasna, brings to life the role of ‘Pat the Cow’ and gained a significant chunk of the audience’s laughter.

Teresa McBride, Course Co-Ordinator for the Performing Arts Level 3 Extended Diploma commented:

“Nothing marks the start of the festive season quite like the arrival of our annual pantomime. This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk has delighted primary school audiences and the wider community alike. Students have demonstrated remarkable professionalism, creativity, and teamwork to deliver yet again another performance full of energy, laughter, and Christmas spirit. The annual pantomime has been a wonderful way to showcase student’s talent and spread festive cheer throughout the community and I’m excited to see what else students deliver throughout the remainder of the academic year.”