Health workers’ panto gives big boost to charities

PICTURE: The Blue Light Theatre Company present their £3,000 fundraising cash to the charities they support

We have been given a significant boost through the efforts of amateur panto players.

The Blue Light Theatre Company, which includes members of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, wowed their audiences with their 2020 production, ‘Oh! What a Circus,’ at Acomb Working Men’s Club.

And their fundraising matched the record-breaking £3,000 that was raised for us and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (York) with the 2019 show, ‘Wonderland’.

 “The panto was a huge success,” said Mark Friend, publicity officer for the Blue Light Theatre Company. “Not only did we match the money donated to charity last year, we also gained new audience members who absolutely loved the show.”

Julie Russell, our general manager, said: “Blue Light Theatre Company have done it again! It’s really heartwarming to be supported by such a dedicated – and talented – bunch of fundraisers.”

The panto told the story of two rival circuses, one good, one evil, and their efforts to attract a new star act. Familiar characters taking part included Pinocchio, Rapunzel and Red Riding Hood.

Support for the panto came from McColls, Gale Lane, Acomb; Tesco, Clifton Moor and Askham Bar and Waitrose, Foss Islands, and a string of businesses who donated raffle prizes.

Mark said work was already under way for next year’s panto. The title’s being kept under wraps for now, but it will be revealed later in the year.