Students of the recently opened Wellington College put on a notable performance two nights in a row where the witty Jack and the Beanstalk was featured in the school’s first Christmas Pantomime. 30 students between the age of seven and sixteen as well as some of the teachers were involved in the production and performance of the show. Director of Performing Arts at Wellington College Michael Larsen-Disney said about the experience:
“I feel privileged to be able to work with some outstanding young people, within first rate facilities and supported by a school ethos that places real value on the arts. Coming from a background of being a professional director and performer in Theatre and Musical Theatre, it has always been a wonderful experience guiding young people to develop their art and interest in performance. The skills they develop along the way are transferred to everything they do in their lives and it’s wonderful to watch them create and develop a story with talent, creativity, drive and determination.”
Jack and the Beanstalk tells the story of a young boy living with his widowed mother and a milk cow that is their only source of income. The Wellington production was heavily adapted by the music and drama department at the college, and offered lots of humor and little surprises for the audience.