Students take panto-goers to land of make-believe

Work by students studying towards a BA (Hons) degree in Spatial Design is being displayed at Wycombe Swan Theatre at the same time as the pantomime, Aladdin, which is headlined by EastEnders star, Shane Richie.

The exciting and varied festive exhibition is on display until Monday, 11 January, in the Circle Gallery on the first floor of the theatre, in St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

A total of 35 students have pieces displayed that are based on the much-loved fantasy tale. Their exhibits include paintings, 3D creations, textile designs, and an eye-catching stage set inside a make-believe palace.

Student Alastair Flemming, 18, is showing a 3D-effect hexagon-shaped foam board piece he has made, complete with a devilish-looking genie inside. Alastair said: "I enjoyed this project and was keen to make as much effort as possible, knowing that families would be looking at it over Christmas."

Saskia Muench, 19, created a multi-coloured fabric made to look like a flying carpet. She said: "This is my interpretation of a flying carpet and I've deliberately used colours which are warm and enchanting. The intention is to capture the spirit of Aladdin and it's great to think so many visitors will see my work over the festive period."

Radoslaw Olezarczyk, 20, made an imaginative wire creation with a ring trapped inside, representing part of the Aladdin story where the hero is cut off inside a cave. He said: "This has been an excellent project to be involved in because of the range of options we have had for our work.

"I wanted to expand on the idea of enclosure and Aladdin being trapped in a cave and so his plight at that particular point of the story is illustrated by the ring trapped inside my piece. I hope people enjoy seeing it."

Theatre Director Giles Balliset and Theatre Manager Ali Camier visited the University to select pieces for the exhibition. The display is now an annual event for the Spatial Design course and previous years' work has included Cinderella and Snow White.

David Barras, course leader in Spatial Design, at Bucks New University, said the display formed part of the student's work for the autumn term. He said: "It is a very high standard of work and is a bit edgier and more sophisticated than exhibitions of previous years. The display evokes feelings of wishes and wish-fulfilment, as well as enchantment, magic and dreams.

"The course offers students the opportunity to specialise in interior design, landscape design, exhibition design and design for TV, and many of the aspects of their study are apparent in this wonderful exhibition."

To see the exhibition visit Wycombe Swan Theatre, in St Mary's Street, High Wycombe, during normal opening hours.