Children on Tropical Lagoon ward at Queen’s Hospital enjoyed a festive treat on Wednesday 22 November when they watched a performance of Aladdin.

Our hospital was one of those chosen to receive a pantomime performance, run by Starlight charity, which promotes the power of play for children in hospital, in association with the Panto Company.

Luna Coombes, four (pictured above with the performers and her mum Charlotte), who had been in hospital since Sunday with a viral and chest infection, loved seeing the panto, which was even more special as it was also on the day she went home.

Charlotte said: “It was the nicest thing to have, especially as it was her last day, it felt like a lovely send off.”

Luna, of Romford, added: “I really enjoyed it. My favourite part was when they sung songs from the Trolls film. It was lots of fun.”

The performance was held in the playroom on the ward and had a packed audience of children and parents.

Chantel Taylor (pictured below), children’s play specialist, said: “We had lots of patients on the ward, so it was great so many of them got to see it.

“It’s lovely to see all the children enjoying it – and I loved it too. It’s a really nice thing for everyone on the ward.”

The panto tour, which started earlier this month, includes 72 shows up and down the country. There are just three performers in the show, who also take care of all their equipment and costumes.

Oliver Wallaard, from the Panto Company, who plays Widow Tawnkey and baddie Abanazar, said: “It’s challenging, two shows a day, six days a week from November until Christmas, but we love it.

“If we make just one person smile, we’ve done our job.”