Starlight Summer Panto brings sunshine to Jenny Lind Outpatients

An interactive performance of Sleeping Beauty visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital today (29th July).

The pantomime has been staged exclusively for Starlight by the interactive theatre group The Panto Company and it is visiting 100 hospitals and hospices over the course of an eight week tour. Today, Starlight’s Sleeping Beauty visited the Jenny Lind Outpatients Department at NNUH and the panto’s four actors danced and sang for the young patients, their families and the staff.

Every year, Starlight provides entertainment and distraction to over half a million poorly children and the Starlight summer panto will give thousands of poorly children the chance to shout “He’s behind you!” from the safety of the hospital ward.

Judy Holland, Play Specialist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said, “It is known that entertainment and play can significantly improve a poorly child’s hospital experience and that it helps to distract them from their illness and treatment. Starlight is a fantastic charity and each year we look forward to the arrival of the Starlight summer panto and the fun and laughter it brings our young patients.”

The pantomime is just one way that Starlight brings fun, laughter and distraction to poorly children across the UK. The charity also grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes to children with serious and terminal illnesses. A Starlight wish gives a seriously ill child and their family a positive focus during the long hours of treatment and happy memories to treasure, whatever the future may hold.

For more information on Starlight Children’s Foundation, visit www.starlight.org.uk.

Information

The Cast:

Lewis Jobson The King and Giggles
Joe MacCabe Prince Galland, Prince Hero and Megus
Hayley Bryant Fairy Nuff
Kayleigh Ashdown The Queen and Aurora


For press enquiries about Starlight Children’s Foundation please contact Henny Vere Nicoll on 020 7262 2881 #231 or email henny@starlight.org.uk.

Starlight grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children, restoring the magic and fun of childhood and giving the whole family happy memories to share, whatever the future holds.

Starlight also creates entertainment in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK. Sick children go to Starlight parties, laugh their way through pantomimes, go out on Starlight Escapes, play games and watch films on the Starlight Fun Centre, and enjoy the toys and puzzles of the Starlight Distraction Box. Happy children respond better to treatment and Starlight helps children to forget about their illness and simply have a bit of fun.