Panto cast give shoppers a treat

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Jean Brogden, Laura Makinson, Kelly Fenton and Alisha Goodall raisning funds in Asda

Shoppers in Rochdale may have had to look twice when they visited Asda today (Saturday 22 January 2011) – because they were greeted by pantomime cast members.

Members of the Rochdale Infirmary Players were out in full force selling tickets for their annual panto and raising money for much needed services at the Infirmary.

Rochdale Infirmary Players is now in its 30th year. Each year they put on a pantomime to raise money for worthy causes.

This year they will be donning their best panto costumes for their four performances of Dick Whittington.

The chosen causes for this year’s show are Children’s Community Services and Stroke Rehabilitation Services at the Rochdale Infirmary.

The players, some of whom are Infirmary staff and others who aren’t, give up their time throughout the year to put on the show.

They have been selling tickets every evening at Asda, the group’s Chairwoman, Debbie Brogden, said: “The aim today is to raise as much money as possible and sell as many tickets as we can – the ticket sales are vital to how much money we raise.”

This year the Stroke Rehabilitation Services approached the Players because they are in need of a new specialist wheelchair. The decision to split the funds with the Children’s Community Services was made when the cast asked where else they thought the money should go.

Ms Brogden added: “We put it to the cast and they decided on Children’s services. We try to give to different people every year.”

Kelly Fenton who stars in the panto, said: “It is coming together really well. We are really looking forward to it.”

Laura Makinson is preparing for her first ever role with the Rochdale Infirmary Players and is keen to take to the stage for her role in the chorus where there will also be a surprise for the audience.

Jean Brogden, added: “I can’t wait.”

The show promises to be a treat for all the family with the Saturday matinee already completely sold out.

The show runs from Thursday 3 February to Saturday 5 February at 7.30pm at Falinge Park High School.