Panto stars spread festive cheer on children’s ward

YOUNG patients at Warrington Hospital had huge smiles on their faces after they received a surprise visit by the cast of Parr Hall’s panto Aladdin.
The hero, Aladdin, with Ping and Pong, from the talented group of actors who will be entertaining audiences throughout January, made a special visit to the hospital’s A&E and children’s ward to spread some festive cheer.
They caused quite a stir in their extravagant costumes and were greeted with friendly smiles and calls of “Happy Christmas” wherever they went.
Tony Peers, theatrical producer at Tony Peers Ltd which is running the show, said he was “excited about bringing the panto to Warrington.”
He said: “I always look forward to bringing the panto to Warrington because I performed in Jack and the Beanstalk at Parr Hall many years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it – Warrington’s a great place. We do summer shows and lots of one-off performances throughout the year but pantomimes are always special. They’re such a great Christmas tradition, and really are entertainment for the whole family, from grandmas and grandpas right down to the little ones.”
Nichola Lagan, who plays Aladdin, said: “This panto tells the classic tale of Arabian nights, a genie in a lamp and a beautiful princess, and we’re all determined the Warrington audience will thoroughly enjoy the show.
“It’s a magical story which really captures the imagination of the children and we as a cast couldn’t be more excited about taking it to the Parr Hall stage.”