Panto stars bring festive joy to patients at Salisbury Hospital

Friday, 19 December 2025 14:25

The panto cast members visiting Imber Ward (Images: supplied)

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity, and cultural charity Wiltshire Creative, teamed up to bring some festive joy to patients with a special visit from the colourful characters of this year’s Salisbury Playhouse pantomime.

Fairy Fabulous (Nic James) and Dolly the Cow (Eloise Runnette), along with fellow cast member Brandon Thompson, who are currently appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk at Salisbury Playhouse, delighted patients on the Children’s Ward and Imber Elderly Care Ward at Salisbury District Hospital.

The visit on Wednesday, December 17th, was organised in collaboration with Wiltshire Creative as part of the Hospital Charity’s Stars Appeal Live programme. Stars Appeal Live is one of a range of wellbeing projects the charity offers at the hospital, funded entirely by donations and fundraising. The programme brings live music and other creative activities to patients and visitors across the hospital.

Charlotte, aged 16, from Salisbury, who was being cared for on the Children’s Ward, said: “It was fun meeting the panto stars. It made me feel good and brightened up my day. Being in hospital isn’t the most enjoyable of experiences so when you have fun people coming in it makes it more interesting. It was really nice to see them.”

Stars Appeal Live Co-ordinator Rebecca Seymour added: “It was wonderful to see the excitement and joy this magical visit brought to patients and staff. We are so grateful to the cast members and Wiltshire Creative for being part of our Stars Appeal Live programme this Christmas. Thank you to all the donors who support the Stars Appeal and make programmes like Stars Appeal Live possible.”

Wiltshire Creative Executive Director Rosa Corbishley said: “As a charity, we are delighted that our Jack and the Beanstalk cast members could bring some pantomime magic to the patients at Salisbury District Hospital this Christmas. Pantomime brings joy, laughter and happiness to the city every year. We love collaborating with the Stars Appeal to lift patients’ spirits and ensure that those that can’t visit the Playhouse this year don’t feel left out.”

Jack and the Beanstalk is at Salisbury Playhouse until January 11, 2026. For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk

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