John Bishop rewards students’ efforts with free pantomime tickets

Hard working students from Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy (OBA) have been rewarded for their amazing efforts with an all-expenses paid panto trip, courtesy of funny man, John Bishop.

The popular comedian reached out once again to his former Runcorn high school and generously donated 180 tickets for students to watch the hilarious Mother Goose pantomime he is currently starring in. In this family friendly musical comedy, Bishop and his legendary co-star Sir Ian McKellen, provide a hugely entertaining double act that had the whole audience laughing out loud.

Students across the academy were selected based on their good attendance, behaviour, and attitude to learning since the beginning of this academic year. Transport as well as tickets were paid for by John to ensure that every child receiving the reward could attend.

Prior to the trip departing OBA, a small number of sixth form, Year 10 and Year 11 Performing Art students set off early for an additional opportunity, set up by John, for them to go behind the scenes.

The group toured the theatre and were able to go on the stage, backstage and meet the crew including the tour director and lighting team. The director showed students the costumes and props and discussed the logistics of the performances and how it’s choreographed to the finest details.

The group then attended a workshop delivered by Professor Helen Brooks, Professor of Cultural and Creative History, University of Kent- School of Arts, all about the history of pantomime and traditions and culture of the theatre.

After lunch, the group joined the wider OBA crowd for the highly anticipated performance.

Miss Porschke, Assistant Principal, who attended the trip alongside academy students, said “At the start of the show John gave a shout out to his old school being in the audience and asked everyone to say hello to OBA!  The show was very funny throughout and our students had lots of laughs and loved joining in with the songs and classic Panto calls – ‘he’s behind you!’

This afternoon was topped off with a surprise visit from John Bishop, Sharon Ballard and Sir Ian who came to see OBA students at the end of the show for an invaluable Q&A session.

The esteemed actors answered questions about nerves before stage time, the difficulties of dancing in costume, quick outfit and scene changes and other tricks of the trade.  Sir Ian gave year 11’s advice for their upcoming exams taking inspiration from his Gandalf character!

Mr Fenner, Head of Sixth Form at OBA, said “As a school we are hugely thankful to John Bishop for providing our students with this fantastic reward. It really was a day to remember! We would also like to thank Sir Ian McKellen, John Bishops Team and the rest if the cast/crew and staff at The Empire who helped to make this experience so brilliant for our students.”