A PANTOMIME group in Weymouth has secured £600 for a selection of Dorset-based charities after bringing the curtain down on a special week of performances.
The Preston Pantomime Group staged a five-night run of Babes in the Wood at Preston Village Hall in February.
The group has been performing pantomimes in Weymouth for more than 30 years in order to raise funds and awareness for local causes.
On each night of the performance, audience members were able to take part in a raffle, with proceeds donated to the four chosen charities.
Cheques for £150 each were presented to the Claire Clements Trust, Preston Pre-School, Butterflies Children’s Disability Fund and the West Dorset Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Representatives from each of the charities attended the village hall for a special ceremony where the cheques were handed over.
Julie Pardoe, producer of the show, said: “Every year, we like to support hard-working local charities or ones that have affected our group in some way.
“Our audience are always very supportive, and this year has been no exception.
“We had so much fun in rehearsals and during the performances and it’s nice to see the community shared in our enthusiasm.
“But as well as having a good night out, they also helped us to make a big difference to these four good causes and I’d like to thank them for their contributions.”
Katy Hampson, from the pre-school, said: “We would like to thank the Preston Pantomime Group for their generous donation of £150.
“We are going to spend it on some new construction sets that we can use inside and out.”
“It was really kind of them to think of us.
In previous years, the group has put on various classic pantomimes including Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Treasure Island.
Rehearsals for the group’s 2017 performance, which will be their 39th consecutive year on the stage, are set to start in September.
Preparations are well underway to select the best possible show for the group to perform.
Julie added: “We look forward to seeing [the audience] next year.”
To get involved with the Preston Pantomime Group, either in front of the curtain or behind it, please contact Julie Pardoe on 01305 832626.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here