Has anyone been wondering where the T in LGBT has been hiding? Or perhaps you’ve noticed a step up in the eccentricity of Johnny Howard’s not normally subdued dress sense? For an answer to these and other such questions that might have been used to introduce our article, come along to the New College pantomime, Aladdin, on the Thursday of 8th Week, where innuendos, men in drag, and excessive audience participation are guaranteed (oh no they’re not!). The panto is the brainchild of a certain Max Pritchard, who we are told is something of a New College legend. Very exciting! After the success of last year’s rendition of The Emperor’s New Clothes, New College eagerly awaits the next masterpiece.

The pantomime is a divine mixed year enterprise of which the lead characters are Freshers, yay! Jenny Hyde plays the princess to Nick Pritchard’s (Is this nepotism? Oh no it isn’t! (sorry – unavoidable)) Aladdin. Other attractions include: Matt Ranger and Johnny Howard in a vaguely disturbing mother and son act, original songs and lyrics by Lauren Bensted, much hilarity, and an overall camp ambience.
When we began this article we didn’t realise the level of controversy surrounding the pantomime experience and as intrepid interviewers, decided to expose the undercurrent of dissent which has gripped the New College Freshers. When asked how he felt about the approaching panto, devastatingly handsome first year Richard Brown replied, “outraged” followed by “no, don’t quote me saying outraged!” (oops). Similar sentiments were expressed by fellow First Year Peter Browne, “I fail to see how men in dresses constitutes family entertainment”. Really Pete, that’s not what you said last night!

However, these disaffected youths are in the minority of public opinion. Many Freshers are incredibly enthusiastic, perhaps even ecstatic, about their first adult panto experience, whilst the rest of the JCR eagerly await a repeat of last year’s hilarious antics. We can assure you that, on the evidence of the first read through, the panto will be incredibly snazzy, jazzy and generally fabulous, yah!