Their warm and lively pantomime, Cinderella, was fun-packed with all the usual crowd-pleasing jokes. The event, held on 17 December in the school hall, was met with laughter and applause from an enthusiastic audience, with all proceeds being donated to The Teenage Cancer Trust.
The purpose of the pantomime was to bring Kingshurst and the wider community together to support a meaningful cause. This year’s performance, featuring teachers from the Performing Arts Department, students, and other staff members in unforgettable roles, delighted the audience of parents, carers, and local residents with a mix of classic pantomime humour and plenty of audience participation.
Married Assistant College Leaders Ryan Baxter-Smith (Maths) and Ellis Baxter-Smith (English) brought down the house as the comedic ugly sisters Beryl and Cheryl, playing up their close connection with close-to-the-bone banter.
Teacher of Drama Katie Foshay, who played Cinderella, said that this year’s committed cast has been rehearsing several times a week for three months: “It has been a lot of work, but also a truly magical experience. Uniting staff and students like this has really fostered a sense of community here at the school, which is excellent.”
Joe Bradley, also Teacher of Drama who played Buttons, added: “We understand how important it is for students to have a good working relationship and connection with staff, and we did this panto to build that relationship. We also wanted to show our students what it means to be professional and how to perform to their peers, their parent and carers and the local community.”
Proceeds from the performance will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity dedicated to providing life-changing care and support for young people facing cancer.
Ben Venson, who played ‘Charming’ and who is Subject Lead of Performing Arts at Kingshurst, says he chose a charity close to his heart, and one he has been raising money for over several years.
"At this time of year, we wanted to do something fun and meaningful for the community," he said. "Putting on this pantomime has been a great way of bringing together staff and connecting with students while raising funds for a cause that means so much to all of us."
Darren Turner, Executive Principal of Tudor Grange Kingshurst Academy, said: “I’m really proud of the staff and students tonight. The camaraderie built between them all during the rehearsal period is exactly what we want to build in the school going forward, and to experience that just before Christmas is really special. It’s also been lovely having parent and carers taking part as the audience and being part of one of the many opportunities we are providing the students of Kinghurst.”
