Panto season kicks off with college's Aladdin at the Beacon

The learner development students put their hearts and souls into a performance that was more than two years in making — and it was well worth the wait.

It was the first panto to be performed this year as audiences get ready for the traditional countdown to Christmas.

The drama group had previously faced a number of setbacks to getting it on stage, with the pandemic and then the Covid restrictions that followed.

But the cast left all that back stage as they went live with an audience for the first time and put on a show to remember.

Lecturer Helen Frater-Lennon said: "I couldn't be more proud of this group of students. They were awesome from start to finish. They are part-time and we only have a class on a Friday.

"They continue to be an inspiration to me.

"It has taken two-and-a-half years to get this on stage because of Covid but it was totally worth it. The students worked so hard and gave me their all.

"Honestly, this is the best job I have ever had. They were all fantastic, every single one of them.

"They never wavered in their willingness to get the show on stage and always gave 100 per cent of effort at every rehearsal.

"We were absolutely delighted to see such an appreciative audience at the Beacon Arts Centre, where we had a full house for their first ever show in this beautiful professional theatre space. 

“The Beacon staff were extremely supportive in everything they did for us."

The students, who have additional support needs,  are working towards completing their pathways qualification with the Learner Development department at the college.

Helen was flooded with beautiful messages after the show from parents and all those in the audience thanking her for making their dreams come true.

Helen said: "To be honest, the class did all the work and actually made my dream come true on the day of performance as the look of sheer joy on all of their faces was more than enough for me."