University offers the world’s first-ever degree dedicated to pantomimes

A UNIVERSITY is offering the world’s first degree dedicated to panto.

It is being backed by stage stars such as Christopher Biggins.

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Staffordshire University will teach the one-year masters course called Contemporary Pantomime Practice from next year.

It will offer “research and practical study” into the much-loved Christmas tradition dating to the Victorian era.

Students will also devise, create, produce and perform their own original show in the local community.

Panto favourite Biggins, 73, said: “When I was starting my pantomime career over 50 years ago, I wish I could have gone along the route of getting an MA.”

Course leader Richard Cheshire, currently directing Snow White at Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre, said: “Panto is one of Britain’s great contributions to world theatre and we want to increase respect for this interactive art form.”

The course has been developed in association with Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts.

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