Panto stars brighten up Christmas for poorly children

Buy photos » The cast of Dick Whittington are hoping to brighten up Christmas for youngsters at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. (s)

PANTO stars will be hoping to bring a smile to the faces of children who are set to spend this Christmas in Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Youngsters on the Riverbank children's ward will be treated to a special performance of Dick Whittington organised by the Starlight Children’s Foundation on Saturday.

The panto's four actors will help children forget about their illness for a few hours with a performance packed full of singing, dancing and laughter.

Sheena Haggitt, play specialist at the hospital, said: “Starlight’s Christmas panto has become a highlight of the festive calendar for us and we are really looking forward to the arrival of Dick Whittington and his cat on the ward. Play and distraction can significantly help to reduce the amount of pain and anxiety children feel as they undergo treatment and Starlight’s Christmas Panto will be a great dose of festive fun for our young patients and their families.”

Ted James, who plays Dick Whittington said: “Starlight gives poorly children a positive focus when they need it most and the charity’s Christmas panto is a great way to entertain and distract children who are in hospital over the festive period.

"Dick Whittington is our best show yet and we hope that it will help restore some of the magic of Christmas for the poorly children at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”

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