Starlight Summer Panto brings sunshine to young patients at NNUH

This summer, Starlight Children’s Foundation will bring a big dose of sunshine to poorly children at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) when its amazing pop-up pantomime pays a visit.

Starlight is a national charity that 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 Summer Panto will visit children’s wards throughout the country and it will stop at the Jenny Lind Out-patients department at the NNUH at 3pm on 23rd July 2014.

This year’s pantomime is Robinson Crusoe and it has been produced exclusively for Starlight by The Panto Company. Fully interactive, this brand new adaptation of the classic children’s story is full of fun and the young patients will get to laugh, cheer and sing-along as the four actors perform for them, their families and the staff.

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

Emma Dolman, Matron of Children’s Services at NNUH, said, “Every year we look forward to Starlight’s Summer Panto and we can’t wait for the arrival of Robinson Crusoe. We know that play can significantly help to improve a child’s hospital experience and Starlight’s Summer Panto gives our young patients a chance to forget an illness for a short while and have some fun.”

Neil Swan, Chief Executive of Starlight Children’s Foundation, said, “All of Starlight’s activities are aimed at distracting children from any anxiety that they might be feeling as a result of their illness and Starlight’s Summer Panto is always hugely popular with hospitals and hospices alike. We hope that this performance of Robinson Crusoe will be just what the doctor ordered!”

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