Panto degree: Plymouth actor gets pioneering qualification

Jefferson has always had a passion to work in panto

An actor is hoping to make history by completing what is thought to be the world's first pantomime Masters degree.

Jefferson Parlett used to visit Theatre Royal Plymouth to watch pantomimes every year with his family since he was a child.

Mr Parlett said he has always wanted to make people "smile and laugh" but noticed there was a lack of training for his "dream" job.

He came across the Staffordshire University course "accidentally".

'In awe'

Mr Parlett said: "I always wanted to do panto. It was something about telling jokes and making people laugh that fuelled and excited me.

"But there was no training back then. I would always run backstage to speak to all the actors. I asked how they got into it, and they told me there is no training."

He said when Staffordshire University launched the world's first degree dedicated to the art of pantomime, backed by some of the biggest names in the industry, he jumped at the opportunity.

He found an advert while on holiday and said he was fortunate to have won a place.

He said he was now about to graduate as one of the first to achieve a Masters awarded in Contemporary Pantomime Practice.

He now wants to use his "expertise" to encourage other universities to roll out this course.

"Pantomimes is probably one of the best things to come out of Britain and it should be cherished," said Mr Parlett.

He did not reveal the next steps in his career but described his whole experience as being a "full circle".