Panto stars support community
Gazebo Theatre’s professional pantomime actors have been bringing a bit of panto joy to local families this Christmas.
Panto dame, Dennis Ffrench, and cheeky fairy, Rebecca Shepherd, have delivered well-being packs and toys to residents in Wolverhampton and Bilston.
The Packs are part of Gazebo’s Mindful Support project, which is funded by the government’s Emergency Covid-19 Fund and distributed through the National Lottery Community Fund.
As well as a Christmas toys the packs include bath bombs, soap, crafty wellbeing activities, a keepsake keyring, recipes, stress balls, facemasks and much more.
Contents have been sourced and bought from local small businesses and artists, with help from support group, Simple Acts of Kindness.
Gazebo has been supported by its team of HeadStart young people, parent, carers and volunteers to help identify local families and individuals who would benefit from receiving one of the packs.
Dennis Ffrench, who is this year celebrating 25 years as a panto dame, making him the longest playing black panto dame in the UK, said: “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my achievement than by giving back to the community who supported me for all these years.
“They kept me going through the hard times and it’s a pleasure to return the favour”.
Rebecca Shepherd, lead actress, added: “2020 has been a tough year for many families.
“But there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. If they can’t come to the Panto, we’ll bring the Panto Joy to them.”
In the coming weeks the duo will be announcing a televised performance on Christmas Day.
