Shrewsbury students ready for panto

.. oh yes they are!

Performing arts students at Shrewsbury College will present their version of the fairytale Cinderella.

Spinderella is full of fun, sparkle, and a sprinkling of pantomime magic according to Andy Pierce, performing arts lecturer at the college and writer of the show's script.

He said: "The play tells the story of 'Spinderella', a young girl living in her father's record store, with her stepmother and sisters after her father's sudden death.

"Unfortunately, the lease on the record store is up and Spinderella has 24 hours to find £10,000 or risk her father's shop falling into the hands of the music mogul, 'Rich Filthy' – who happens to resemble a well-known X factor judge.

"It's a combination of previous improvised scripts I've worked on with plenty of well-known pantomime scenes and musical numbers that audiences should recognise."

Mr Pierce said Spinderella promises to be full of fun.

As well as performing at their college theatre, students will also be taking their pantomime on tour for the first time – putting on a show for pupils at local schools including Belvidere, Mary Webb and Bicton C.E Primary.

"It's a great chance for our students to perform and interact with the audience and promises to be a lot of fun for everyone," said Mr Pierce.

The Level 3 students taking part in the production have now been cast in their roles, and rehearsals are currently well under way.

Harry Allmark, 17, from Shrewsbury, who has been cast as one of the ugly sisters, said: "This is the first time I've taken part in a panto. It's been really good fun rehearsing and I'm really enjoying playing an ugly sister – it's something completely different to the norm. Andy's script is brilliant, I think audiences will really like all of the references to popular culture."

Mattie Lefevre, 18, also from Shrewsbury, is playing alongside Harry as the second ugly sister, she said: "It's pretty full-on, as the whole show is very energetic, which is challenging but good fun.

"I think we're all really looking forward to the performances, especially with younger students in the schools. People can expect a lot of fun and laughter and expect to sing along."

Performances for the public will take place from December 9 to 11 and from December 14 to 18 at 7.30pm in the college's performing arts theatre.

Tickets cost £8 and £5 concessions. To book call (01743) 342487 or email ginae@shrewsbury.ac.uk