Panto Fun for FOTF Families!

 In 5 to 13 year olds, Events, Mums' support, News and events

On Friday 3rd January, 42 children parents and volunteers were treated to a wonderful pantomime of Dick Whittington at The Theatre Royal Winchester. The tickets had been generously provided by a local business man Matthew Southey who had contacted FOTF to offer his support once again to the children and families. Matthew said “We are all genuinely excited to be involved again this year and are really pleased to help. Hearing the stories of the children at the show makes it all super worthwhile!!”

On the day everyone turned up promptly to collect their tickets and chocolate goodie bags, that had been donated to FOTF by Chocolate Elf, and settled to down to over 2hrs of fun, laughter and of course the traditional hissing and booing of the mean King Rat! The children were in awe of the characters, especially Dick Whittington’s cat; who was fantastic and the parents laughed at the adult orientated jokes that the Dolly the Dame made throughout! It was truly magical seeing everyone enjoying themselves and joining in.

After the show one mum said, “Thank you so much that was awesome. The best panto I have seen in my nearly 38 years! Both my kids loved it. Brilliant!” And a dad said, “My children and I have never been to a pantomime before so this was all very new! I thought it was very funny! Thank you so much, we will hopefully come again!” and another parent text to say, “Thank you SO MUCH for letting us come to the pantomime today it was such a nice family day and then going to there was the icing on the cake!”

During the interval the children were asked what they thought of the panto and one little boy said “I like the cat best, I hope she can get rid of the rat…he’s mean!” and another focus child said “Dick is really funny. I was a bit scared though when the he shot the hole in the cheese with his gun because it made me jump a lot……it was very loud!!”

Sam Hunt, 5s to 13s Befriending manager said “Our heartfelt thanks goes to Matthew and his team, everyone at the Theatre Royal and the Chocolate Elf for their incredible generosity, hard work and kindness  in order to provide this amazing experience for the children and families. It is a memory that will stay with us all year……………OH YES IT WILL!”