“From Script to Stage in a Day: Recovery Students Shine in Pop-Up Pantomime”
For the second year, RAMH North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College has brought the community together with its innovative Pop-Up Pantomime, showcasing the talents and courage of its students.
The performance on the evening of Monday, December 9, delighted an audience of over 100 people at South Beach Baptist. The production was the culmination of a five-week course, where Moxie productions supported students to explore drama and performance skills. Together, they crafted a fresh and meaningful spin on the classic Snow White tale—embedding a thoughtful mental health message with the humour and energy of a traditional panto. Drum4urLife provided a beautiful opening seasonal soundscape with drums, chimes and percussion, setting the scene for the magic that was to come.
In this adaptation, the seven dwarfs each represented a different emotion, offering an engaging exploration of feelings and how they can be better managed. Guided by Snow White, the characters learned to embrace and understand their emotions. Characters including Snow White & the 7 Emotion Dwarfs, an Evil Queen and her Reflection, a heroic Prince with his loyal pal, and the much-loved panto staples—Wishee Washee and the Dame. The audience were in fits of laughter.
What made the event even more special was its “pop-up” nature. Although students participated in designing the story and characters, they only received their scripts and began rehearsing on the morning of the performance!
Lainey McKinlay, Recovery College Coordinator, praised the courage and commitment of the students:
“The confidence and bravery of the students to stand on the stage, putting themselves out there, is remarkable. The growth in these students since they began with the college is a privilege to witness.”
The impact of the experience was clear from the participants themselves. One performer shared:
“That was the best experience ever, and it was made extremely special because my kids were there watching. I am so grateful to the Recovery College. My confidence has increased, and I am trying things I would never have done before.”
The Pop-Up Pantomime highlights the transformative work of RAMH North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College which focusses on supporting students to self-manage their mental health and wellbeing. Blending creativity, self-expression, and mental health awareness, the Recovery College provides a powerful platform for growth, recovery, and connection.
For those who were lucky enough to attend, the night was a joyful reminder of the resilience and creativity of the human spirit—wrapped up in a dazzling, laughter-filled performance.