Starlight Christmas Pantomime brings festive magic to young patients
Children at St Mary’s Hospital were treated to some festive magic this week when Starlight Children’s Foundation dropped by with their Christmas pantomime.
The pantomime, which was produced exclusively for Starlight by The Panto Company is a brand new adaptation of the classic children’s story Robinson Crusoe. Fully interactive, it was full of fun for the young patients who laughed, cheered and sung along as four actors performed for them, their families and Trust staff.
St Mary’s Hospital cares for children across North West London and beyond. The Trust provides the latest in child health expertise while ensuring the whole family is supported throughout the child’s stay in hospital.
Starlight is a national charity which grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK. During an eight week tour, the Starlight Christmas Pantomime will visit children’s wards throughout the country.
Every year, Starlight provides entertainment and distraction to over half a million poorly children and the Starlight Christmas Pantomime will give thousands of poorly children the chance to shout “He’s behind you!” from the safety of the hospital ward.
Tina Halton, senior play specialist at Imperial College Health NHS Trust said:
“We know that play and fun can give our children a chance to forget their illness for a short while. The Starlight winter pantomime is therefore a wonderful opportunity for the children and their families to come together enjoy themselves - a couple of hours of sheer fun, music and laughter.’
Sue Wildman, head of children’s services at Starlight Children’s Foundation said:
“All of Starlight’s activities are aimed at distracting children from the pain and anxiety that they might be feeling as a result of their illness and Starlight’s Christmas Pantomime is always hugely popular with hospitals and hospices alike. We hope that this performance of Robinson Crusoe is just what the doctor ordered!”
