A special dose of sunshine was administered in the children’s ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital when the magic of pantomime arrived, courtesy of the charity Starlight.

Part of a UK-wide campaign, youngsters enjoyed a wonderful performance of Sleeping Beauty created exclusively for Starlight by theatre group The Panto Company. The four actors danced, dazzled and sang for the young patients, giving children the chance to escape from the pain and anxiety that being in hospital can bring. Families and staff were also invited to enjoy the laughs and fun.

Every year, Starlight provides entertainment and distraction to over half a million sick children and their summer panto gives thousands of kids the chance to shout “He’s behind you!” from the safety of the hospital ward.

Lisa Ross, Play Leader at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, said:

 It is known that entertainment and play can significantly improve an ill child’s hospital experience and that it helps to distract them from their illness and treatment.  Starlight is a fantastic charity and each year we look forward to the arrival of the Starlight summer panto and the fun and laughter it brings our young patients.

Hayley Bryant, who plays Fairy Nuff in Sleeping Beauty, said:

 Starlight’s Summer Panto is designed to be really engaging and entertaining for the children and we hope that the performance at Forth Valley Royal gave the patients there a good dose of fun!  From their beaming smiles, it certainly looked as though they were enjoying the show!”