The cast of Sleeping Beauty made a festive visit to the Children’s Ward at Hereford County Hospital this week.

Whilst talking to the young patients, the cast gave out flags and goodies as a pre-Christmas treat. The visit was part of The Courtyard’s commitment to working in the community and brought a snippet of the pantomime to the children who may not be able to see it at The Courtyard. The cast received a tour of the ward, visited children’s A&E, and even got to go inside an ambulance. 

Gemma Mussell, Play Specialist on Hereford’s Children’s Ward said, “A huge thank you to the Sleeping Beauty cast that visited the ward today, it really did put a smile on the patients faces as well as the staff and parents. We thank you for your continued support.”

Andrew Franklin, who plays Wally, said, “I had the most brilliant time visiting the children’s ward. From the amazing children and their families that we met to the staff showing us around, the warm welcome we received was beautiful. Panto and Christmas magic is for everyone, so to be able to bring a sprinkle of that to the hospital makes it all worth it.”

Following rave reviews of 2023’s pantomime, Dick Whittington, The Courtyard’s award-winning professional Christmas pantomime is back with Sleeping Beauty.

Audiences will be transported into a fairy-tale world of magical mayhem and an enchanted slumber that only true love can remedy. 

Sleeping Beauty will feature all the classic panto shenanigans live on stage, and will be jam-packed with jokes, pantomime traditions, and plenty of audience participation.

Sleeping Beauty runs at The Courtyard until 4 January 2025. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website www.courtyard.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01432 340555.