Local actors are hoping their popular pantomime proves a festive fundraiser for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity this year.
Wyrley Pretenders, who perform at Great Wyrley Academy, have teamed up with the charity for the first time as they crack on with rehearsals for their Jack and the Beanstalk festive show.
Director Shaun Malpass said: “We are performing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1st 2nd and 3rd of December, with an extra matinee show on the Saturday, and this year we wanted to pick a charity to support.
“Well Wishers is a local charity – with many of our audience members service users at either the Manor Hospital or its community services – so it’s perfect for Wyrley Pretenders. After speaking to Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley, we know that money raised is used to fund items above and beyond what the NHS can provide to improve patients’ experience and that’s important to us too.
“This is our first charity partnership and we’re hoping to make it a regular thing. We have 1,200 people coming to see the pantomime across the three days and can promote Well Wishers in our programme as well as encourage donations via collection buckets.
“As an added bonus, around ten members of the cast – including the Giant – are going to be switching on the Manor Hospital’s Christmas lights this year which will create a lovely family atmosphere for us all.”
Georgie added: “We think this partnership is a lovely idea and thank Wyrley Pretenders for thinking of us for their chosen charity. We are also thrilled that some of the stars of the show will be switching on our lights on 2 December – that’s going to be magical for us all!”
Tickets for the pantomime cost £10 each and are available from www.wyrleypretenders.com or 07708177999.