THE wonders of pantomime brought joy to the faces of children at a Hampshire hospice.

Actors from the Theatre Royal in Winchester made a festive visit to Naomi House in Sutton Scotney to entertain youngsters staying there.

One of those behind the idea is comedy actor Andy Medhurst who plays Jack’s error-prone brother Silly Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk.

The 34-year-old was inspired to organise the trip after working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

He was joined Jessica Spalis who plays Fairy and Kate Russell-Smith who has the role of the giant’s evil sister Cruella Blunderbore.

Theatre Royal marketing manager Paul Lewis said: “We are very aware that while pantomime is hugely popular with children there are children who are unable to go to the pantomime so we are glad to bring a taste of pantomime to them.”

A Naomi House spokesman added: “Having the cast of the pantomime come is fantastic, especially as the children here might not be able to go to theatre themselves helps create some really special memories at this time of year.”