Popular Middlesbrough College pantomime returns, oh yes it does!

Teesside’s pantomime scene is back and bigger than ever, following the pandemic-enforced closure of the performance industry last year.

And this year, Performing Arts and Production Arts students at Middlesbrough College are set to dazzle audiences with their performance of Dick Whittington, promising more laughter than ever before.

The annual showcase is now showing at Middlesbrough College’s Theatre until Wednesday, December 15, and is brimming with sparkling costumes, side-splitting jokes, and sing-along songs, with first and second-year students taking on principle roles.

18-year-old Jack Singleton, who is playing the lead title role, said: “I’m so excited to be performing back on stage again. Middlesbrough College offers lots of performance opportunities for Performing Arts students and the pantomime is always a highlight of the academic year.

“I’m over the moon to be cast as the lead character in this year’s pantomime. Audiences can expect amazing singing and dancing with songs featured by Kylie Minogue, BTS and Queen – and we welcome audience participation!”

With hopes of becoming a professional performer, Jack enrolled on the Level 3 Performing Arts (Acting) course at Middlesbrough College.

He added: “Since studying here, I’ve grown in confidence and my skillset has rapidly expanded. I’m hoping to progress to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts next year to continue my professional training.”

The popular Dick Whittington tale follows the lead character Dick (played by Jack Singleton, Ellis Crosby and Amy Brown throughout the performance) who is a dreamer and has his sights set on London; the city paved with gold. With his trusty pussy cat by his side (Connor Roth and Lily Singleton), Dick gets a job at Alderman Fitzwarren’s store, but the city is under attack from the most villainous vermin of them all; King Rat (Drew Bartley and Niamh Else).

With the help of his new love Alice (Katie Turnbull and Keeley Octon), Fairy Bow Bells (Ebony Muir and Maddy Loveys), Sarah the Cook (Ethan Warren and Robyn Sharrocks) and her silly son Idle Jack (Chloe Ryder, Millie Dean and Carmen Hann), will Dick be able to vanquish the vermin? Find out in the pantomime paved with gold!

Level 3 Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) student Katie Turnbull is playing the role of Alice in the show. She said: “Rehearsing for the pantomime has been so much fun. It’s been an amazing process and I’ve made lots of new friends.

“The whole cast has worked really hard, and I know it will all be worth it on opening night. The show is full of laughter and all the pantomime classics – you don’t want to miss it!”

Nicola Scott-Hughes, director and co-ordinator for Performing & Production Arts at Middlesbrough College said: “Dick Whittington is a fabulous show for all the family to enjoy. Our students have been working incredibly hard and I know that this production will not disappoint.”

Dick Whittington is on show at Middlesbrough College Theatre until Wednesday, December 15. Tickets are priced at £11 for adults and £8 for concessions and can be purchased online.