Aladdin’s lamp, Cinderella’s slipper, and a golden-egg-laying goose were all part of the entertainment when children at a Wensum Trust school staged their annual spring production.

The Year 5 pupils at Firside Junior School starred in Panto Pandemonium, which tells the story of four children spirited into Pantoland to thwart the Wicked Witch, who has stolen a host of iconic magical objects, including the lamp, slipper, and goose.

“At Firside, we love giving the children opportunities to shine in different ways, and this is a wonderful opportunity to see that,” said Head of School Lucy Seagrave. “We often have children who may be quiet and shy in day-to-day school life, who transform when put on the stage.”

Staff involved in the production included Year 5 teachers James Adam, Mike Townsend, and Jack Wilkinson, along with support staff Yanya Li, Danielle Walsh, and Karina Buck.

“Over the past few years, we have adapted our performances so that children experience and participate in a range of performances during their time in our school,” continued Mrs Seagrave. “Whereas we used to just have all four year groups doing a Christmas performance, we now do Christmas performances in our younger year groups, Year 5 do a spring panto, and Year 6 do their Leavers Play.”

All ages were invited to enjoy the show, from parents, carers, and family members, to pupils from fellow Trust schools, and residents from a nearby care home.

“The children had been rehearsing over the last term, and performed twice to their parents and family members,” added Mrs Seagrave. 

“We also welcomed our local infant schools, Arden Grove, Heather Avenue, and Kinsale Infant, to come and watch our dress rehearsals, which was a great opportunity for the younger children to enjoy and for our Year 5 pupils to perform to different audiences.

“We also welcomed some residents and their carers from our local care home, Redlands House Care Home, as we have strong links with them. We visit regularly, so it was nice to be able to have them visit us too.”