For most staff and students, December means one thing: holidays. But not at the ISC. Here, December means it's time for the annual panto – this year, Strictly Xinderella.
The panto has become an important fixture in the College social calendar – and has even acquired a cult following among certain theatregoers.
'Oh, no it hasn't,' I can almost hear you say.
Oh, yes it has!
Is it the expertly prepared, professionally crafted sets that appeal most? Or the stunning colours and exquisitely cut costumes? No, let’s be honest, it’s probably just the sight of Chinese boys pretending to be British boys who are pretending to be girls that makes our panto the must-see event of the season!
The story begins in the X Factor studio, where the panel of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Danii Minogue are portrayed as a group of stock characters trying to find a cast of talented pantomime players to appear in a new pantomime production.
You can guess who the villain is (and if you can’t, it’s Simon Cowell, or, as he’s known in the panto, Warlock Atrocidocious).
The action then shifts to the Strictly Come Dancing studio where a fantasy King and Queen are busy trying to arrange a glittering party where their son can find a wife from all the fair maidens in the land. After that, well, let’s just say it gets a bit complicated…
Always impressing is the fact that all the students, regardless of ability, play a role and are given the opportunity to improve their vocabulary and pronunciation. This year was probably the most ambitious production we’ve ever done, and the fact that it was produced a week early meant even less time to rehearse than usual. Combined with that was the fact that the cast had to contend with an epidemic of 'flu, colds and laryngitis, this was certainly a challenge. But the brave crew soldiered on and managed to give an exciting, memorable and entertaining performance.
A huge thanks is due not only to the students and staff of the ISC who worked so hard, but also to all the other staff and students of the Sixth form who helped with costumes, make up and set.
Photos from the performance (view on Flickr)
Photos from the dress rehearsal (view on Flickr)
Writeup by David Wareham
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