This Christmas, we had the pleasure of running our Panto Power Course as part of Sheffield Healthy Holidays, and what a magical time it was! Held at the Pavilion in Hillsborough Park, the course brought together children aged 6–12 for three days of festive fun, creative exploration, and a healthy dose of panto magic.
The programme kicked off with a bang as we set the stage for an unforgettable holiday experience. Day 1 focused on the fundamentals of pantomime, with children learning about its rich traditions, key performance skills, and how to deliver those all-important “Oh yes we can!” moments. The highlight of the day was a special trip to see Snow White at the Lyceum Theatre. Watching the pros in action gave our young performers a chance to see the magic of panto up close and left them buzzing with inspiration.
We’d like to extend a huge thank-you to the staff at Sheffield Theatres for making our visit so special. Their attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness ensured that our group had a wonderful time from start to finish. From welcoming us warmly to helping the children feel at ease, their care and professionalism truly enhanced the experience.
On Day 2, the focus shifted to developing their own pantomime skills. From physical comedy to slapstick routines, the children explored how to bring bold, larger-than-life characters to life. They worked on everything from hilarious villains to loveable heroes, all while creating scenes filled with humour and energy.
The grand finale on Day 3 was the ultimate challenge: creating a Panto in a Day! Our young performers reimagined the classic tale of Peter Pan, filling it with brilliant characters and high-energy antics. We had a crew of fearsome (and funny!) pirates, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Wendy, Michael and the Lost Children. Together, they had to be clever and tricky to bring Captain Hook and his band of terrible pirates to their knees. It was a joy to watch their teamwork and creativity shine as they performed for friends and family.
Of course, it wasn’t just about the theatre. Each day, we made sure to include a healthy hot meal, giving the children a chance to recharge and enjoy some delicious festive treats. From warm dinners to interval ice creams at the Lyceum, it was all part of creating a memorable holiday experience.
We’re so proud of all the children who joined us for Panto Power. Their enthusiasm, confidence, and creativity were a joy to see, and they’ve certainly earned a massive round of applause !
We’d also like to thank Sheffield Healthy Holidays for making this programme possible. Sheffield Healthy Holidays is funded by Sheffield City Council and the Department for Education (DfE) and supported by Zest, Sheffield. Their support ensures that initiatives like this can bring joy, learning, and festive cheer to children and families across the city.
Thank you to all the families who joined us for the fun, and to everyone who made Panto Power such a success. We can’t wait to do it all again next year – oh yes we can!
