Cast members from His Majesty’s Theatre spread the panto cheer yesterday when they paid a visit to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
The Magical Mermaid and the cast of Peter Pan dazzled children as part of a long-standing relationship between the hospital and Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Peter Pan and the Magical Mermaid arrived at 11am yesterday at the hospital before going on with their cast members to hand out lots of panto gifts to children just in time for Christmas.
The visit allowed children the opportunity to interact with the drama’s main characters including Captain Hook, Wendy and Tinkerbell whilst bringing some camaraderie to the ward.
It also brought some panto joy to children who were unlikely to be able to visit the theatre this year and bring some light relief to them, theirfamilies and members of staff at the hospital.
Scott Fletcher, who is playing Peter Pan, said: “The whole company went [to the RACH] in costume and make-up and we visited a couple of the wards in the children’s hospital.
“The visit came off the back of the fact that our producers do a collection every year for Great Ormond Street Hospital, but, this year, it has been split 50-50 between Great Ormond Street and Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
“We spent time with the children and handed out pantomime merchandise including flashing fairy wands and swords which the kids loved – and surprisingly the children really liked Hook, he was a definite favourite. I looked across the ward and he was having a sword fight.
“It was also very humbling to see both what the staff are doing and how positive the parents remain throughout everything.
“It was quite tough for me as my partner had a baby 12 weeks ago and it really put things into perspective – other things don’t matter as long as you have your family.”
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “We were delighted to welcome the cast of Peter Pan to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
“We have a long standing relationship with Aberdeen Performing Arts and it was lovely to see some familiar faces as well as meeting new friends.
“The children benefit enormously from these visits as do the staff.”
