Wychwood School in Oxford hosted a Christmas pantomime of Cinderella to over 170 pupils and teachers from two primary schools - St Barnabas and St Michael’s.
The Year 10 girls from Wychwood School invited Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils from the local primaries to 'have a ball' at Wychwood School.
The GSCE drama students performed their very own version of the classic Cinderella story and encouraged the children to join in with the traditional booing of the baddies and cheering of Cinders as she turned from servant to princess.
The cast of Cinderella had recently been to see Robin Hood at The Oxford Playhouse to enjoy a professional pantomime to gain inspiration for their very own performance.
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They had also attended a casting workshop for a new feature film Club Zero which was hosted at Wychwood in conjunction with its partner The Oxford School of Drama.
Hosting the primary schools gave the GCSE drama students the experience of performing to a large audience to perform to.
Younger pupils also joined in the traditional pantomime audience participation with songs, gags, slapstick comedy and topical humour.
Some of the audience were given special ‘starring’ roles in the pantomime as they donned costumes and props on stage. The Wychwood students were involved in all aspects of the pantomime from performing, crew and to front of house.
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Andrea Johnson, headmistress at Wychwood, said: “It was wonderful to see our GCSE drama students produce such an amazing performance in spite of the many Covid-19 challenges they faced. Wychwood always produces drama performances of such a high standard.
"But what was really lovely to see was that girls were involved in all aspects of the performance from the performing to designing and making the set and props.”
Mandy Constance, Head of drama at Wychwood, who also wrote and directed the pantomime, said: “I am really proud of the cast and crew who have worked so hard on every aspect of their production to create a fun and magical show to share with our partner primaries. Cinderella has brought a little Christmas magic to us all at a time when it is most needed.”
Simon Tyrrell, director of Wychwood School, Oxford said: “The performance was sharp, funny and superbly put together.
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"All credit to Mandy Constance and to her team of budding actors and crew. Thank you to St Barnabas and St Michael’s primary schools for joining us for the event as it was brilliant for the girls to have such a ‘real’ audience. We will be looking to make this an annual tradition for the school to kick off Christmas festivities with the local community.”
Established in 1897 Wychwood School, Oxford is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18. It is a member of the Girls’ Schools Association.
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