On Tuesday 9th June, Goudie Academy pupils took to the stage for their summer pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Under the stage lights of the Gannochy Theatre and with a packed-out audience, the performance was both a resounding success and a wonderful celebration of creativity, teamwork and personal achievement.
But this was no ordinary pantomime, oh no it wasn’t, as the comedic script was brilliantly written by a former pupil alongside our school drama teacher. Bringing a fresh Scottish twist to the timeless fairytale, the actors told the story of young Jack who boldly exchanged the family cow for five magic beans. In a fit of rage, Jack’s mother threw the beans out of the window, where they sprouted and grew into a gigantic beanstalk that led to the land of giants. It was only fitting that the starring role was played by our talented playwright, who joined an epic cast of pupils and staff to bring the story to life.
Families, friends, staff and pupils from Forest View Primary School, who will be welcomed to Goudie Academy next term, all came along to enjoy the performance. From the opening moments, the cast had the audience enthralled, singing along, laughing and joining in with the kind of exuberance only a pantomime can inspire. As the lights came down, guests were able to restore their singing voices with delicious homemade ice cream made by Frozen Fix, our talented young enterprise team.
Giant Achievements
Our creative writer and producer helped shape the entire production. Starting with the bones of Jack and the Beanstalk, he helped create a version with its own unique flavour, including the fictional setting of Trot Farm, the character of Granny Trot and a troll-inspired storyline that added plenty of humour and originality. His creativity was clear from the start, but so too was his leadership. As rehearsals progressed, he supported the cast, shared ideas generously and naturally stepped into a role that was part writer, part performer and, at times, very nearly assistant director.
The performance gave each pupil the opportunity to showcase how far they had come. Many demonstrated increased confidence, resilience and willingness to step outside their comfort zones, taking on new challenges and embracing the experience of performing in front of an audience. Throughout the show, pupils showed growing confidence, strong characterisation and an ability to bring both humour and emotional depth to their roles. Each performer contributed their own strengths, and their collective progress and commitment played a key part in making the production such a success.
The Magic of Teamwork
Of course, no pantomime comes together through the cast alone. Behind the scenes, there was a huge team effort, with one pupil taking on the role of stagehand and staff supporting with music, lighting, prop design, costumes, backstage and more. The Art Department was central to the performance, designing and creating the set and props that brought Trot Farm to life and helping transform the stage into Robert’s imagined world. Their work added colour, humour and atmosphere, proving once again that in school productions the magic is often built as much with paint, cardboard and imagination as it is with lines and costumes.
What stood out most across the whole process was not just the final performance, but the growth behind it. Through rehearsals, script development, performance and backstage teamwork, young people developed confidence, communication skills, resilience and the ability to support one another under pressure. They created something entertaining for the audience, but they also learned a great deal about collaboration, creativity and what can happen when everyone pulls together.
Goudie Academy’s summer pantomime was a wonderful reminder of the talent, humour and determination of its young people and staff. Everyone involved should be hugely proud of what they achieved. If this year’s production is anything to go by, the bar has now been set very high for next summer – no pressure.