PATIENTS at Salisbury District Hospital were cheered up with a visit from the stars of Dick Whittington, this year’s Playhouse pantomime. 

Teaming up with the Stars Appeal, the cast arrived on a bus provided by Salisbury Reds, and took time to spread Christmas cheer on Thursday (December 7). 

Patient Lewis Bell, 14, said: “They were funny and really cool. It was a nice way to cheer up the day. The visit put a smile on my face and I feel happier.”

Annamarie Tongs, currently being cared for at the hospital’s Spinal Treatment Centre, said: “It was a nice little surprise. We can’t go to the pantomime this year, but the panto has come to us. 

“I felt a bit flat today but feel perkier after meeting the pantomime characters.”

Dick Whittington runs until January 7 at the Salisbury Playhouse.

READ MORE: Playhouse’s Dick Whittington pantomime cast announced 

It came as part of the charity’s Stars Appeal Live programme, which is funded entirely by donations. 

Programme coordinator, Rebecca Seymour, said: “Stars Appeal Live is about brightening the days of patients with music and creativity. 

“What better way to add a festive twist to this by bringing panto characters to Salisbury Hospital. 

“We are so grateful to the cast and Salisbury Playhouse for their time and support.”

Gareth Machin, artistic director at Wiltshire Creative, added: “Panto celebrates togetherness and the heartwarming spirit of the festive season, so we were delighted that some of the cast members from Dick Whittington were able to share the joy with patients at Salisbury District Hospital.”

To support the Stars Appeal visit starsappeal.org. Dick Whittington runs until January 7, tickets are available at wiltshirecreative.co.uk.