Children at University Hospital of North Durham had the opportunity to feel the magic of Cinderella during a special visit from pantomime stars this winter.

The cast of Gala Durham’s magnificent production of Cinderella visited Treetops children’s ward and paediatric assessment area at the University Hospital of North Durham to meet the young patients, parents, and staff.

The Northern Echo: (front) James Carson and Jude Nelson, playing a mouse and Buttons, with Charlotte Bradley and

Actors Jude Nelson, Charlotte Bradley, Jessica Brady and James Carson arrived as clad in their full costumes as Buttons, Cinderella (also known as Ella), the Fairy Godmother and one of the mice to give the youngsters a boost before Christmas.

The children were also able to see this year’s magical panto, through a recorded version of the performance provided by the Durham County Council-run venue for them to watch over the festive season.

The Northern Echo: Charlotte Bradley as Ella (front) with Jessica Brady as the Fairy Godmother and Jude Nelson as

Alison Crozier, child health matron at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We work hard to do all we can to ensure the children who are with us in hospital in the lead up to Christmas and over the festive period don’t miss out on Christmas fun. We’re very grateful to the Gala pantomime cast for taking the time to visit us. The children love meeting the actors, especially in their costumes and make up – and our staff love the smile it brings to the faces of our young patients and their families.” Charlotte Bradley, who plays Ella, said: “It was such a heart-warming experience to be able to share some festive cheer with the children, families and staff at Treetops ward. Being able to go to the pantomime is a Christmas tradition which many families enjoy, so we are delighted we were able to make sure the children didn’t miss out on the magic even if they were unable to go to the theatre in person.”

The Northern Echo: Cinderella cast with a family at Treetops ward.

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Audiences have been amazed by Gala Durham’s new take on the classic story. Full of magic spells and excitement, visitors can expect brand new dance routines, sing along hits and unforgettable moments in this new re-telling of the oldest fairy tale of all time.

Written by Gary Kitching and directed by Rachel Glover, audiences can have a royal ball with Gala Durham’s pantomime which runs until Saturday 6 January.

Tickets priced from £15, with family discounts also available, can be booked by calling 03000 266 600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk/cinderella.