Nigel Hogg's Big Thank You to NNUH

When Cromer Pier's Seaside Special’s Musical Director was taken ill and he had to be admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) he was naturally a little concerned he would be missing the opening night of Strictly Seaside at the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier. Some two weeks later Nigel was sufficiently recovered to be allowed home and was back at work after a further two weeks home rest.

Nigel was so impressed with his stay on Gissing Ward, treatment and the way the staff helped him, he decide to find a way of saying thank you and bringing a smile to both staff and patients alike. So the idea to take a mini version of Seaside Special to the NNUH was hatched along with Emma Jarvis from the NNUH Hospital Arts Project.

With the help of the cast and back stage crew Nigel has put together a twenty-five minute show to be performed at the hospital on Friday 9th August at 2.15pm and 3pm. It is hoped that members of the nursing staff who helped Nigel will be amongst the audience along with patients and hospital visitors.

Nigel said “No one likes being ill and in hospital but my stay on Gissing Ward was superb, the doctors and nursing staff were all so kind and understanding They did what they needed to do and made sure that I was comfortable and knew what was going on at all times”, he continued this is my way of thanking them all and in doing so highlighting the superb work that all the staff at the NNUH do every day”.

Emma McKay, Director of Nursing at the NNUH said “This is a wonderful idea, it's the first time a show like this has been performed at the NNUH and we are all very excited, I am sure it will give a boost to patients, visitors and staff alike. It is such a kind gesture and I would like to thank both the cast and stage crew for giving up their time to do the shows and bring a little bit of Seaside Special magic to the hospital.

Emma Jarvis said “I would also like to pass on our thanks to Konectbus for giving up their time to transport the cast of the Seaside Special to and from the hospital so that they can put on these special performances, it is really great to see everyone working together”.