“The vocals are crazy! It’s funny how we just met and when we sing together, it works!”

From a young age, ever since I saw a Peter Pan pantomime, I have been enchanted by theatre performances and hooked into going to see them. That feeling of flying high on stage with the characters is the childish imagination that has never left me. It’s the talent that can turn a sixteen year old student into a seven year old Disney-loving little girl in a matter of seconds.

It is no secret that pantomimes have lost their popularity over the years. Let’s face it, teenagers would rather go to the cinema or stay tucked up in the comfort of their bed in front of the TV. But going to see a theatre performance doesn’t have to be a half hour train ride and half our pocket money worth. We have the privilege of it being available in the place we go to learn five days a week.

After doing a survey, 12/50 sixth form students have gone to see a theatre performance in the last 6 months. 20/50 have never even been. But why, when it’s available to us so freely, do we pass up the opportunity to see an amazing theatre performance? Is it that we are consumed with our obsession with technology? Or maybe we just don’t appreciate one of the oldest forms of entertainment in the world. Sometimes to truly value something, we need to understand the effort that was put into making it. I interviewed Lourice, a sixth form student, working on a musical theatre performance called Little Shop of Horrors.

Why did you choose to perform in Little Shop of Horrors?

I’ve always been into performing and because I’m new to the college I thought this would be a cool way to get out there, meet new people. When I went to the fair they really enjoyed their previous play so I thought this one might be as good as their other one and I wanted to be part of the process.

Why should people come to see Little Shop of Horrors?

The vocals are crazy. It’s funny that some of us just met and when we all sing together it works. And I heard all the props and backstage have stepped up a lot and everyone's just been working so hard. The band sound really good too.

What career do you aspire to have?

I’ve been interested in business so I’d like to start a business. But I feel if I were to go do the arts route I’d like to get my music out there and perform for musicals.

Has working on this drama production improved your skills in your subjects?

The drama production has helped me to become more confident and inspired so when I do fine art I have so much inspiration from the production to improve my pieces and take more pride in them.

Whether its Shakespeare’s Othello or a Sixth Form students' production, plays can be both educational and a great way to spend your free time. Much like reading, watching a play opens up your imagination. Seeing people act out the roles of characters gives you a whole new perception of them. You could hate them in the book and sympathize with them in the play. Think of the book as the garnish and the play the seasoning: It gives you a little extra to make you enjoy the story more.

Now I can say from experience that I know what a boring play is. As an English student, I've read a few. But as a teenager, I’m telling you that there are some amazing ones out there. Musicals, pantomimes and some great entertainment. So I encourage you to turn off Netflix and put down your phone. Who knows next time you're in college...there might just be a poster that’s calling your name.

Camay Davis-McAuley, City and Islington Sixth Form