Sleeping Beauty gets a Barbie makeover in SRC Panto
11th Dec 2023
It’s nearly Christmas, which means panto season is back! This year, Southern Regional College (SRC) students are bringing a fresh twist to the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty in their annual pantomime. Inspired by the latest Barbie film, the show features a pink-themed castle, costumes, and sets, as well as a strong message of girl power.
With over 100 students involved in the production, including students from performing arts, music, hair, beauty and barbering, and art, the pantomime is an unforgettable experience.
Pantomime Director Teresa McBride has created an exceptional performance for various primary schools, including St Brigid’s Crossmaglen, Mount St. Catherine’s Armagh and Drumilly Primary. Pupils attended SRC’s Armagh campus and have been immersed in the full pantomime experience, giving raving reviews.
To prepare, students performing have been on campus from 08:30am for hair and make-up, mic checks and physical and vocal warmups. There is nothing amateur about this performance with cast members being mistaken for professional actors. Sixteen-year-old Dylan Fox, who plays Queen Dorothy, was flattered when a visiting school teacher approached him and asked if he was a hired actor! This is a massive compliment, with Dylan saying, “I’m obviously doing something right.”
Fellow cast member Shea Hughes who plays Billy the Butler took inspiration from Derry Girls actresses to bring an energetic performance to the set. Both actors have enjoyed performing the panto for visiting schools; Dylan commented “The audience reaction has been massive. In panto you encourage the audience to interact and just let it all out.”
Billy added; “I’m always looking out at the audience and dying for their response. The audiences have been so loud. We have fed off this energy and it has made the show ten times better.”
Teresa McBride, Pantomime Director at Southern Regional College commented:
“As always, this year’s pantomime has been the most wonderful time of the year. Students from performing arts, music, hair & media makeup and art have collaborated to create this fantastic production. All have worked extremely hard, putting their hearts and souls into this year’s pantomime. Since rehearsals started in September, students have been extremely dedicated, and this effort has been recognised in the positive feedback we have received.”
To catch the online premier of this year’s panto, tune into SRC’s Panto You Tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@srcpanto from Thursday 14th December at 11am.
