They’re behind you…and that helps explain why panto audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre have raised more than £20,000 for The Archie Foundation at Aberdeen Royal Children’s Hospital.
Bucket collections at the 2019-20 production of Cinderella, starring Louie Spence, alongside an ensemble cast including Call the Midwife star, Laura Main, Alan McHugh, Paul J Corrigan, Joy McAvoy and Sally Howitt, raised £20,802.43 for the charity.
In addition to this figure, an equal amount of £20,802.43 has been donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The total amount raised was more than £14,000 higher than the sum donated by audiences during the show in the previous panto season.
A total of 19 other local charities also benefited from tickets to Cinderella, which were provided free of charge by Aberdeen Performing Arts.
That body’s chief executive, Jane Spiers, said yesterday: “Panto season at HMT is all about creating magical lasting memories, so it makes it all the more special that we have been able to share this money with so many deserving charities.
“We were absolutely blown away by the generosity of theatre-goers over the Christmas period, and we are delighted to support the ARCHIE Foundation again this year, which makes a huge difference to the lives of children and their families when they are sick.”
The foundation’s fundraising manager, Jamie Smith, said: ‘Panto season in Aberdeen is always a magical time and we are delighted to receive such an amazing amount from this year’s collection.
“Thank you to theatre-goers, staff and cast, the donation is hugely appreciated and the money will go a very long way in helping local sick children and their families.’
