Pantomime degree launched by Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University has joined forces with Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts to create an MA in Contemporary Pantomime Practice. 

The course offers students the opportunity to research and practically study the genre, and has been credited by Christopher Biggins – a pantomime expert. 

All creatives, including performers, directors and technical workers, are invited to join the course, which has been created by pantomime researchers and practitioners Richard Cheshire and Robert Marsden.

As part of the course, students will create and produce their own original show which will be performed in the local community.

Cheshire said: 'Pantomime is one of Britain’s great contributions to world theatre and we want to increase respect for this interactive art form. It is an annual tradition for families and is often where children get their first experience of live theatre.’

Marsden said: ‘Training is informal, traditions are inherited or orally passed down and most pantomime performers are left to learn on the job. The reality is that producers won’t risk casting inexperienced performers, so formal training opportunities are badly needed.’

Principal of Wilkes Academy, Jonathan Wilkes, said: ‘[Pantomime] has been a big part of my life and I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge and skills to support the next generation of panto professionals.'

Pantomime performer Stephen Mulhern has praised the launch of the course, describing it as ‘the perfect training ground for performers on stage, technical team and backstage to learn first-hand their skills within this live area of entertainment’.

Visit Staffordshire University's website for up-to-date information regarding the course.