STAFF from Basingstoke hospital took to the stage to perform in the annual hospital pantomime, where they wowed the audience and raised funds for good causes.

Every year the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke hospital, Andover War Memorial Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital organises its on twist on the traditional pantomime.

Those people who were lucky enough to get tickets to the sold out were entertained as clinical and non-clinical staff performed side-by-side in an exciting re-telling of the classic story of Peter Pan.

The pantomime, aptly named Peter Bedpan, was held at The Haymarket and featured a variety of staff from across the Trust.

During the performance, staff showcased just some of the many talents they poses outside of working within the medical field.

The cast included an emergency department doctor starring as Peter Pan and a trauma nurse practitioner in the role of Wendy, who prepared for the show alongside their day jobs caring for patients.

Members of staff including a speciality administrator and a recruitment advisor, who usually play a vital role keeping the hospitals running behind the scenes, found themselves front and centre as they dazzled in the show as the loyal family pet and Captain Hook.

Julie Jones, who directed and produced the pantomime, as well as playing the narrator, said: “Everything went really well on the day and we put on a great show.

“Everyone had such a good time performing and the audiences were amazing.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to see Peter Bedpan. It was a huge success, so well worth all those rehearsals.”

She added: “Of course we couldn’t do this without the tremendously talented staff who gave up their time to take part in the show, so a huge thank you and well done to them all, including the, actors, dancers and backstage crew who kept everything running smoothly.”

Between the matinee and evening performances, it is believed that the show will have raised more than £4,500, including £600 raised from programme sales and generous donations on the big day.

The money raised will be split between the North Hampshire Medical Fund, which buys life-saving equipment for the Trust’s three hospitals, Winchester Hospice, which is raising money to bring a hospice to the city, and the Hampshire Hospitals Palliative Care team. A smaller amount will also go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, which was granted the royalties to Peter Pan by author JM Barrie.