Theatre’s pantomime audiences raise more than £9,800 for charity

More than £9,800 was raised for charity by pantomime audiences at the Theatre Royal Bath over the festive season, it has been revealed.

Nick Wilton, George Olney, Olivia Birchenough and Jon Monie from the pantomime with Charlotte Hutcheson and Haydn May | Photo © Theatre Royal Bath

The money was raised across twenty-eight charity collections, which took place from 19th December to 4th January, after matinee and evening performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Olivia Birchenough, who starred as Snow White, and Kieran DuMont, who starred as Prof, made announcements from the stage on behalf of the charities involved before each of the fundraising collections made by the Theatre Royal’s Front of House team for fourteen days during the panto run.

Olivia, well known as a children’s television presenter for Channel 5’s Milkshake!, said: “A big thank you to our kind pantomime audiences who gave so generously to raise this brilliant total which will benefit five wonderful charities.

“Great Western Air Ambulance, Developing Health and Independence, ReMind UK, Swallow and the Wonderfund help people in the community all year round.

“The money donated will make a difference to each of them and the support they provide in 2025.”

The Theatre Royal’s annual Charities Week took place across eight days and sixteen panto performances between 19th to 28th December, raising a total of £5,252.66 which will be divided equally between four charities: Great Western Air Ambulance, Developing Health and Independence, ReMind UK and Swallow.

In addition, collections took place from 29th December to 4th January, across twelve panto performances, raising a total of £4,588.09 for the Wonderfund.

Cast members Olivia Birchenough (Snow White), Jon Monie (Muddles), Nick Wilton (Dame Dilly Donut) and George Olney (Prince Frederick) were joined on stage by Charlotte Hutcheson and Haydn May from the Theatre Royal’s Front of House Team to celebrate the donations given by theatregoers.