Bolton College's talented Level 3 Performing Arts students will be getting into the festive spirit next month by performing Ben Crocker’s quirky version of the renowned story ‘Camelot’.

The shows are an ideal opportunity for the learners to put what they have learnt into practice and gain real stage experience in front of a live audience. Bolton College prides itself on its commitment to preparing learners for the world of work – from its careful recruitment of industry-standard tutors to events such as the seasonal pantomime – and any opportunities such as this are considered an essential part of their learning.

Last year’s Performing Arts students put on a production of Ben Crocker’s ‘Aladdin’ which went down a storm with adults and children alike; therefore the decision to stage another Crocker panto was an easy one.

Kate Coyne, Acting Lecturer in Performing Arts, said: "This year’s show will take another modern twist on the traditional pantomime, with goodies versus baddies and unrequited young love – plus a  funny, spooky haunted scene which is sure to thrill the audience!”  

Ben Crocker's version of the much-loved legend of Camelot – following the notorious romance between Arthur and Guinevere – is a refreshing change from the traditional story. Comical characters will include the loyal Laughalot and hilariously hopeless Valerin the Vicious, and the learners will be working hard during the weeks ahead to perfect their droll delivery.

Russell Lane, Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts at Bolton College, added: “This is the first opportunity for the first year actors and dancers to perform in front of a live audience and with less than two weeks to go, the chase is on to pull all the elements of the show together. This is a great learning journey for them, giving an insight into the amount of hard work, energy and dedication that is needed if you want to go on to be a professional performer.”

Marie Gilluley, Principal of Bolton College, said: “The annual Christmas pantomime is always a wonderful occasion that allows us to recognise our students’ talent while getting into the festive spirit. I know how hard they work each year to put on a good show, and it’s always rewarding to see the audience – young and old – enjoying themselves. These productions are also the ideal platform on which to showcase our industry- standard facilities and the excellent teaching support that we have here at the College.”

The Year 1 acting and dancing students will be performing in Bolton College’s theatre as part of the College’s next Open Evening on Thursday 11th December. This 7pm performance will be the final of four, with the first two taking place on 9th and 10th December at 10am, and the penultimate on 11th December at 1pm.