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CSVPA Musical Theatre Students Celebrate British Theatre Through Pantomime

CSVPA Musical Theatre Students Celebrate British Theatre Through Pantomime

Having the confidence and adaptability to perform in front of a live audience is an essential skill in becoming a successful performer. Students on our Musical Theatre Foundation course are given a variety of opportunities to develop this experience throughout their time at CSVPA. To mark the end of their first term, our Musical Theatre students were given the challenge of staging a traditional British pantomime. This year, they showcased a fantastic rendition of ‘Cinderella’.

Pantomime holds a special place in British theatre. Known for its larger-than-life characters, songs, music, and its engaging comedy, it is a celebration of theatricality that has delighted audiences for generations. For our international students, rehearsing and performing in a traditional British pantomime offers an exciting and sometimes challenging journey. One of the greatest hurdles, beyond the language and cultural nuances, is understanding the art of characterisation, grasping the subtleties of pantomime, and developing impeccable comedic timing to ensure the performance resonates with its intended audience.

During the rehearsal process, students explored the use of physicality, vocal delivery, and comic timing in the creation of their eccentric characters. Characterisation in pantomime is key to delivering an unforgettable performance and how an actor embodies their character is what creates the magic. For our performers, coming from diverse backgrounds allowed them to bring their own personal touch to these roles.

Students workshopped the use of physicality as a major storytelling tool. They integrated the exaggerated movements, the broad gestures, the slapstick humour, and the use of props which are all integral to conveying the story. It’s essential for our student actors to understand that pantomime is not just about what is said—it’s about what’s seen.

Rehearsing and performing in a traditional British pantomime is a thrilling and transformative experience for our students. It’s a unique form of theatre that celebrates physicality, wordplay, and audience interaction—elements that may be unfamiliar to our students from different cultural backgrounds. But through rigorous rehearsal, patience, and a willingness to immerse oneself in the tradition, our students can bring their own flavour to British pantomime, while also learning to master the distinctive elements that make this art form so beloved.

By embracing the fun and eccentricity of pantomime, our students don’t just perform—they become part of a long tradition of theatrical storytelling that continues to enchant and entertain audiences year after year.

Find out more information about our Musical Theatre Foundation courses.

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