NHS staff annual panto raises thousands for local hospital charity

This year’s panto cast presents Hampshire Hospitals Charity with a cheque for £8,500.

Staff from local hospitals have raised thousands of pounds to support patients and colleagues at their annual pantomime in Basingstoke. 

Nurses, doctors, consultants and support staff from across Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover took to the Haymarket stage with Cinderella, Dr Charming and the Ugly Blisters in January and have raised £8,500 after tickets quickly sold out for both performances. The money raised has now been presented to Hampshire Hospitals Charity which supports local hospitals by raising funds to provide valuable equipment, refurbish patient areas and support staff wellbeing initiatives. 

Julie Jones, who directs and produces the pantomime each year during her retirement after spending over 20 years working at the NHS trust, said; “I was delighted with ticket sales again this year. The evening performance sold out within a matter of hours and the matinee followed soon after. I think the panto has become a bit of a tradition among many hospital families and the local community. It’s wonderful to see so many of the same people coming back each year to support us, along with new families who are looking to support the charity.  

“I look forward to this every year. We have such a fantastic group of people who come together to put this show on and that grows each year as new members of staff get involved. It’s a really lovely way for us all to get together, have a bit of fun and raise funds to help support the work of Hampshire Hospitals Charity.” 

The plans for the next hospital staff panto are already underway but Julie remains tight lipped about what the production will be next January. The call for cast members will start at the end of the summer with rehearsals beginning shortly after. 

Morgan Hughes, fundraising assistant at Hampshire Hospitals Charity, said; “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps make this panto happen. I know they all find it such fun but I also know it takes a lot of hard work to make it all happen. I especially want to thank Julie who works so hard to write and direct the show. I know it’s a huge passion of hers and, after a short break, will already be working on the next one!” 

To find other events you can attend in support of Hampshire Hospitals Charity, visit the events calendar here.