Teams at both the local theatre and hospitals are currently hard at work in order to deliver a Christmas treat for patients, visitors and staff. On Friday 6 December, Cast’s dazzling production of ‘Cinderella’ will be performed, filmed and screened live directly onto wards and services at the Trust’s three hospital sites in Doncaster, Mexborough and Worksop. At the same time, a special one-off event will take place in Doncaster Royal Infirmary’s Lecture Theatre, with a capacity audience of 110 made up of hospital professionals and their families, all of whom will be joining in the fun.
Spending time in hospital throughout the holiday season can be challenging for some patients. Ward areas remain busy throughout, and activities are often organised to keep visitors entertained, however patients can miss out on festive happenings. By bringing panto to the hospital, both organisations are once again hoping to deliver a little helping of Christmas into the hospitals.
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have once again been able to work with our friends at Cast to bring some festive cheer to our patients. This pantomime live-stream has become something of a Christmas tradition at the Trust and something which colleagues greatly look forward to each year. Throughout the holidays season, clinicians try their very best to cheer up those in our care, however most would prefer to be comfortable at home, rather than in a hospital bed. This is just one way in which we can bring a little bit of the Xmas spirit to our wards and inpatient areas.”
The Trust offers all visitors free internet access. Ahead of the event, ward staff will receive a link to the live-stream, which they will be able to share with patients, whether they are laid in bed using a mobile device, or instead resting in one of the many activity rooms which are available.
Deborah Rees, Director at Cast, said: “We are thrilled to be streaming our panto out into the hospitals for the third year running. Christmas is all about creating happy memories and creating traditions and we are honoured that we can provide a little bit of Christmas magic to people who find themselves unwell at this time of year, or to staff who are working tirelessly to provide care to those who need it most.”
Cast in Doncaster’s production of Cinderella will run from 29 November through to 31 December. To book your tickets, head to https://castindoncaster.com/whats-on/casts-pantomime-2019-cinderella/