Adult learning panto is hailed as unique – oh yes it is!

Students learning to speak English were treated to a unique pantomime at Green Street Adult Learning Centre to help them improve their language skills.

Oh yes, they were – because Buckinghamshire Adult Learning said that the performance of Cinderella held at the High Wycombe centre last month not only benefited students, but it also raised £130 for charity.

Kirsty Barlow, of Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, said: “We put on this show to help our learners understand an important cultural aspect of British life, as well as improve their language skills in a fun and entertaining way.

“We also included Bollywood dancing and other cultural references so this performance had a truly international flavour.”

Around 80-90 people attended, including family, friends and staff.

Student Valentina Cholakova-Petkova said: “For me, I was very surprised to see my teachers playing pantomime. I like pantomime. When I was young I played it and I enjoyed it. The play was nice and very funny and it was a new view about Cinderella.”

Funds raised, through both ticket sales and ‘custard pie-ing’ Curriculum Coordinators, have gone to The Ruth Hayman Trust supporting disadvantaged ESOL (English classes for Speakers of Other Languages) learners – http://www.ruthhaymantrust.org.uk/

The panto included Buckinghamshire Adult Learning staff – Emma Englefield, Morag Scott, Tim Wright (as the dame), Liz Sheppard, Fran Watkins, Laura Delaney and Kirsty Barlow.

For more information on English classes for Speakers of Other Languages, please contact 01296 398957 (Aylesbury/Chilterns), 01494 475975 (Wycombe/South Buckinghamshire) or visit www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk