STUDENTS at Alloa Academy thoroughly entertained the Wee County as they held their annual Christmas pantomime.

The school hosted a production of The Magical Beanstalk and the Gingerbread House, with nearby primary schools getting an advanced screening before the general public.

Alloa Academy opened their doors to Clacks residents, filling two packed shows of their sixth school panto production.

Jamie Jack, principal teacher of the creative and aesthetic subjects faculty, oversaw the production and was delighted with the show.

Speaking to the Advertiser, he said: “This has been a truly incredible experience to work with such a talented cast and backstage crew in every respect, since the auditions began in August.

“To be involved in something special like this has raised the profile and talents of all the young people involved in varying ways.

“It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work through the creative process with the cast and to really bring to life the values of our school, particularly resilience and ambition.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of directing, writing and designing the whole pantomime for our school community, and I am so proud of everyone, in which words can never truly express.”

The production combined elements of two well known fairy tales: Jack and the Beanstalk and Hansel and Gretel.

Park, Sunnyside, Redwell and St. Mungo’s Primaries visited the schools during the day to watch the panto, before two evening shows were held for the general public.

The show was made possible with the fantastic efforts from a wide range of sponsors, who helped provide funds and equipment for the school to use.

Among the sponsors were Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Alloa First, Ochil View Housing, West End Skoda Garage, Indigo Sun, Stirling Valet Service, Margaret Jack, New Fangled Design and Alloa Academy Parent Council.

Jamie continued: “There were outstanding performances from all of the young people, whom I believe have developed their excitement for pantomime.

“I would like to say a fond farewell and thank you to all our S6 in their final pantomime performances, who should be exceedingly proud.

“Thank you to all of our amazing and generous sponsors who helped to ensure that our school production was the best and to our amazing and supportive parent council.

“I would also like to thank two ex-students for their hard work and determination in terms of helping out. Firstly, Libby Rodger for her help with rehearsals and to Jamie Smith for his help with beautiful photography/set decoration.

“Thank you in particular to Leon Collins, Fiona Young, Ashleigh McLachlan, Megan Harvey, Annie Welsh, Susan Wallace, Maria D’Arcy and Roseanne Murray for all their involvement with the school panto. This also applies to our school office colleagues, janitors and cleaners also.

“On behalf of the Alloa Academy pantomime cast and crew, thank you to the entire school and wider community for your support and positive reviews, which we hope to one day build upon for the future.”