British Pantomime Academy to take Cinderella & Aladdin shows into schools

Created in 2019 to offer pupils of all ages workshop and learning opportunities with pantomime stars and creatives, the British Pantomime Academy will take two of its hour-long performances, Cinderella and Aladdin to schools across the UK if lockdown restrictions allow.

The pantomimes will feature four professional performers and all the traditional panto remarks, as well as a surprise cameo from one of the teachers at the school.

Each performance has been written this year and has taken into consideration some of the challenges children have faced throughout 2020.

Kev Orkian, founder of the British Pantomime Association, said: “We are passionate about pantomime and have been working hard as a team to see what we can do to keep the magical tradition alive this year.

“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, not least the children who have had their lives and routines disrupted and a lot of simple pleasures taken away in the blink of an eye.

“We know what a rewarding, fun and engaging experience pantomime provides for children and want to continue to make this experience possible and bring them some happiness for Christmas.”

Flexible schedule

The Academy is planning to visit schools in December following the expected easing of lockdown restrictions on 2nd December, but says it will be flexible and has built in contingency plans to reschedule any bookings into the New Year should that be needed.

Kev added: “Although we are still forging ahead for Christmas we have made a commitment to any school that we visit that, should restrictions stop our scheduled performance, we will we come back at no extra cost in 2021.

“Be it a New Year’s panto, an Easter panto or whenever! We will bring fun and laughter to school children of all ages.”