Stars from this year’s pantomime at the Theatre Royal Bath met young patients during a special visit to the Children’s Ward at the RUH last week.
Pantomime cast members with Children’s Ward staff at Bath’s Royal United Hospital | Photo © Theatre Royal Bath
Some of the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs met the youngsters and their families at the hospital when they visited in their colourful stage costumes on Wednesday 18th December.
Olivia Birchenough who plays Snow White; actor and comedian Jon Monie who plays Muddles; EastEnders’ Nick Wilton who plays Dame Dilly Donut; George Olney who plays Prince Frederick; Emma Norman who plays Queen Grimelda; Willie Coppen who plays Stroppy and Denise Coppen who plays Disney in the show, spent time chatting to patients and staff before returning to the stage for their matinee performance.
Children’s television presenter Olivia said: “We loved taking some pantomime fun to the Children’s Ward in our bright stage costumes.
“It’s an especially difficult time of year to be unwell, and the staff do such a brilliant job looking after young patients and supporting their families too.
“Everyone gave us a really warm welcome and some of the children told us they’re looking forward to seeing the panto later in the run.”
Husband and wife, Denise and Willie Coppen added: “We were really happy to visit the Children’s Ward because as parents we have first-hand experience of having a poorly baby in hospital at Christmas time.
“It’s so important to show the children and parents that other people care”.
Jo Powell, RUH Play Specialist, said: “It was wonderful to have the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs visit the Children’s Ward.
“They were great fun and the children and young people loved seeing them in their brilliant costumes.
“It was the perfect early Christmas present for some of the hospital’s youngest patients and has helped to create a really fun and festive feeling on the ward.”
