Local panto raises £6,000 for charity

Some of the cast present a cheque for £6,000 to hospice staff

A local pantomime has raised an incredible £6,000 to support local people living with a terminal illness in Winchester.

The Hursley pantomime group, the Hursley H’Ams was formed in 2009, and Goldilocks and the Bogeyman was the groups tenth production. With the money from the event held earlier this year now all in and counted up, children who took part in the show have recently been to the hospice to hand over a cheque to staff.

The event took place in memory of Doreen Joseph who was an integral part of the group from its inception before she died last year. She starred in most productions, playing a variety of parts including a memorable performance of a cow in Jack and the Beanstalk, a chainsaw wielding surgeon, and many more. As well as her acting, she contributed hugely behind the scenes with her sewing machine skills and her ability to solve any wardrobe problem. 

Michael Arthur who wrote and directed the pantomime, said; “The most remarkable thing about Doreen was her incredible courage. Despite her serious illness, which often left her weakened and in pain, she never gave up. She never missed a performance and her cheerful determination never faltered. She was an inspiration to all of us and we were all truly honoured to be part of this pantomime in her memory.”

It was the group’s strong desire to honour her memory that brought them together to create Goldilocks and the Bogeyman. So strong was the feeling to honour the memory of Doreen, people who had left the village returned to take part with one even travelling all the way from Spain.

Doreen Joseph who was remembered by the panto cast and crew

The pantomime followed the traditional tale of the famous children’s story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which was embedded in a plot centring on a fictional parish council determined to spend the parishioners’ money on two white elephants and how their dastardly aims are defeated.

Before she died, Doreen was cared for by Winchester Hospice and it was one of her preferred charities.

Speaking about the donation to the hospice, Michael said; “Everyone involved had a wonderful time putting the show on and we were delighted that it raised a fantastic £3,000 through ticket sales and donations. One member of the team is an employee of Macquarie Group and, through its foundation, they have generously matched the money raised meaning we’re able to double the donation and present a cheque for £6,000 to the hospice to help them fund important patient care.”

Jo Westerman, fundraising officer at Winchester Hospice said; “We were delighted to welcome some of the young cast to the hospice and thank them personally for their donation – and how fantastic to see them dressed in character! We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved and thank them for supporting the hospice in such a fun way. Doreen would be proud!”