Panto stars drop in at Penarth hospice

Monday, 15 December 2025 15:14

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Steve Pope Photography / Marie Curie

The stars of Sleeping Beauty - Cardiff's Christmas pantomine - have paid a special visit to the Marie Curie hospice in Penarth.

TV presenters Gethin Jones and Owain Wyn Evans were among the cast members who took time out between performances to meet patients and staff in costume.

The hospice provides round-the-clock care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from, as well as their families and friends.

Gethin, who plays Prince Gethin, said: "We were delighted to be able to come back to visit after we had such a wonderful time last year."

"We know how difficult Christmas can be for people dealing with illness at end of life, and their families, so to be able to bring a sprinkling of festive magic to patients, staff and visitors is such an important part of our time in panto."

"Seeing the amazing care provided by Marie Curie nurses and staff again, and hearing the impact our visit had last year, is inspiring."

Veteran panto dame Mike Doyle, who plays Nurse Nellie, also joined the cast along with musical actress Emma Kirk, who plays Princess Aurora, and returning stars Jack Ryan and Jalisa Phoenix-Roberts as Muddles and Carabosse.

Once again this year, Marie Curie's support line will be extending its opening hours during the festive season.

Helen Cosh, clinical lead for Marie Curie's hospice services in Wales, added: "We try to do as much as we can to make sure Christmas continues to be a special occasion for the patients we care for, and their families, leading up to the big day – and on Christmas Day itself."

We are so grateful to everyone who visits the hospice around this period to provide our patients – and our staff – with a little entertainment. Thank you to the cast of Sleeping Beauty for coming along and spreading some festive cheer."

The Marie Curie support line will be open from 10am-4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and from 10am-2pm on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. If you need support, call 0800 090 2309.

Sleeping Beauty continues its run at the New Theatre in Cardiff until Sunday 4th January. For more information and to book tickets, visit the New Theatre website.

Do you have a story to share? Email News@broradio.fm 

 

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