HHFT Panto is just what the doctor ordered!

In these challenging times, we could all do with a good laugh – and the Hampshire Hospitals Panto Players’ show ‘Snow White and the National Elf Service’ was just what the doctor ordered.

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown may have put paid to last year’s panto but the wonderful cast and crew – most of whom are still working at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) – were determined that this year, the show would go on.

So it was that on Saturday, January 8, The Haymarket Theatre was the setting for two performances – and it truly was a festive seasonal show to enjoy and savour.

Spearheaded by pocket rocket director, producer and script editor Julie Jones, who also took on the pivotal on-stage role of Narrator, this was a rip-roaring show that had all the wonderful elements of a panto – oh yes it did!

Sarah Kinloch, as the Wicked Matron, was marvellously menacing in true panto villain-style as she tried to work her evil magic to stop Snow White (Claire Aldridge – what a lovely singing voice!) from falling into the arms of Dr Charming (Rob May-Miller).

The fabulous cast had a ball as they ticked off all the staples of a great panto – and both the afternoon and evening audiences joyfully entered into the spirit of the show. They may have been masked but you could hear the laughter loud and clear.

You know when you’re at a good panto as the laughs and comic groans come thick and fast thanks to a script littered with Christmas cracker-style jokes and – for the more fruity evening show – a fair share of Carry On-style nudge-nudge wink-wink comic moments.

The Hampshire Hospitals panto cast and crew features staff from all parts of the organisation, and it was great to see the wonderful camaraderie and team spirit that bubbled over like festive fizz.

As with daily life at HHFT itself, this was a real team effort – a panto where the sum of the parts made up a wonderful and entertaining whole. It was a panto, cast and supporting crew and musicians to be proud of.

And as well as giving everyone a great laugh and a good time, the panto raised several hundred pounds for Hampshire Hospitals Charity which supports HHFT’s NHS local hospital heroes and the patients they care for – the generous audiences donating nearly £700 to the bucket collections – with more funds to come.