PERFORMING arts students celebrated the magic of the festive season in the traditional way — by staging a panto.

The talented actors at Bolton College staged Aladdin for local schools and members of the public.

The students, on the BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in performing arts, spent three months rehearsing the play and the production was a chance for them to showcase their skills and gain stage experience.

The show, written by renowned writer Ben Crocker, added a modern, Bolton-themed twist to the classic tale of pauper boy Aladdin and his beloved Princess Jasmine.

Emma Stevenson, performing arts lecturer, said: “Our students loved performing for the local schools and the pantomime-loving residents in Bolton.

“They worked extremely hard to bring Ben Crocker’s Aladdin to life and were determined to create laughter and fun for all.

“Going to a pantomime at Christmas is a long-running British tradition and we wanted to make sure we put our own spin on this classic story.

“We want to thank each and every person who came along to watch the show and we hope they had as much fun as we did.”

Taking on the role of the production’s hero, Aladdin, was first-year student, Amy Turner, while Princess Jasmine was played by Jessica Hickey.

Amy, aged 24, said: “We all had an amazing time performing this pantomime and it was great to be able put our own personalities into the characters.

“It was fantastic to feel such a sense of achievement once the curtain came down after each performance, knowing that all our hard work had paid off.”

The performing arts department at Bolton College stages 10 productions each year, ranging from musicals to comedies.

Marie Gilluley, principal of Bolton College, said: “I am immensely proud of our students for once again staging an excellent pantomime. I have seen first-hand how much effort they have put into the show and it was great to see the audiences enjoying themselves so much.”