Schoolreaders Volunteer Transforms for the Christmas Panto

Schoolreaders Volunteers are not only valued for their time spent reading with pupils, but for the value they bring to the whole school community.

One of our volunteers, David Polhill, recently shared an experience from a Year 2 trip to the pantomime at Milton Keynes Theatre, organised by the school. The production was Goldilocks and the Three Bears, starring Brian Conley as Billy Barnham.

David explained that from previous years, he knew audience participation was likely. “Someone usually gets got,” he said. “I was a couple of seats in, but I still got chosen - as the nearest male to the stage.” After being asked his name, David was invited on stage. “He said I’d do a bit of singing and dancing.”

What followed was an unforgettable moment. “We started Mah Na Mah Na. He sang that, but I did the ‘do do do do da’.” David shared. He then found himself ballet dancing with two hippopotami before being led off stage. “I was dressed as his twin brother, a top, white hair and beard, and I had some lines to read back on stage.”

Afterwards, David was given a signed flyer and returned to his seat via the wings. “I was referred to a few times until the end of the show, and sang Hi Ho from my seat to finish,” he said. “The kids loved it, the teachers were amazed, and I was delighted.”

Stories like this highlight the wider role Schoolreaders volunteers can play within school communities. By being involved beyond one-to-one reading, volunteers help children associate learning, stories and shared experiences with encouragement and support.

We’re grateful to our volunteers for sharing their experiences with us, and to our partner schools for the opportunities they provide for volunteers to be part of school community!