CAST members from a Rowney Green based theatre group spread some festive cheer by performing selected scenes from their version of Aladdin for patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The All and Sundry Theatre group were invited to perform by Martina Ponsonby who is a trustee of the Young at Heart charity which supports children with heart conditions and their families who receive care at BCH.
Martina’s son Max was born with a serious heart defect and has undergone several life-saving heart operations. Ben, Martina’s other son, also had a serious form of Streptococcal several years ago and received treatment, care and support at BCH.
After the performance the cast went around the wards to visit the children who were too poorly to come and see the show, with sweets and small presents to hand out.
Director Alison Beresford said: “It truly was a magical experience – I was immensely proud of my cast.”
Martina added: “I know only too well what it is like to spend Christmas in hospital with your child and how it impacts on them and the family and thought it would be wonderful if we could offer a little light distraction for the children even if it was only for an hour.
“I hoped if we could get even a few principal cast members to put something together as I knew it would be rewarding.
“I was quite taken aback when the whole principal cast all agreed to give up their time to go.”
