THERE will be plenty of opportunity to boo, hiss and cheer when Alloa Academy once again brings the Pantosphere to town this December.

The now annual school show will be a unique take on an old classic with the title Alice’s Alloa Adventures and will see two evening performances open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday, December 12 and 13, from 7pm.

Mr Jamie Jack, principal teacher of the creative and aesthetic subjects, is writing and directing the show once again, praising its power in bringing the school and wider community together.

He is leading a huge cast of students as well as a number of other teachers who are all busy rehearsing, creating sets, props and dresses in a bid to wow audiences.

The school’s parent council, who have been “brilliant” according to Mr Jack, are also closely involved and will be helping out at the show while also organising a fundraising bingo tea next month.

Mr Jack said: “There’s a really close connection between the students, teachers who are involved in the show and the parent council as well.

“We are really keen to try and develop that more within our school and get more opportunities for the parent council and the whole school to be working together.”

And there are hopes for more shows on top of the annual panto in the years ahead.

Mr Jack added: “I think the pantomime has been a great experience because it’s got the imagination of the students involved.

“It’s just great fun. It’s just hugely important for the school, not only in terms of the curriculum but in terms of students getting the chance to build friendship-groups and actually showcase their talents in a really exciting way.

“For me, I’m really proud of all the students who are involved: whether they are behind the scenes, helping out with scenery, props – whatever it’s going to be.”

On stage will be a medley of stand out characters as Sauchie lass Alice Carroll, played by Carly Moultrie, is lured down the rabbit hole into a world beyond Clackmannanshire.

She will be aided by Aleah Alexander as Felicity Festivity, the daughter of Santa, in their battle against Vanity Vile, the Red Queen played by Cameron Graham, and Count Tempus, the Lord of Time played by Braydan Harrison.

The audience is set to meet a range of colourful characters and fantastical creatures along the way in what promises to be another hilarious and emotional show with drama, laughter as well as song and dance.

Rehearsals are well underway, indeed auditions started as early as June and the school’s first years are also involved – including Carly who took the lead role.

Those who have enjoyed the school panto in recent times will recognise some familiar faces while many new pupils also joined the around 30-strong cast.

Huge thanks go to a number of teachers involved as well as sponsors Indigo Sun, Stirling Valet Service, Margaret Jack and Grangemouth Wood Centre.

Tickets to the show are £4 per adult and £2 per child.