Local community pantomime brings magic to families in Leyland

"Amazing community spirit" brought together a free production of Beauty and The Beast for residents in Leyland.

The idea, by a volunteer and community champion for the Wade Hall estate in Leyland, was to bring the magic of live theatre to families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it.

Last year two local community associations, Wade Hall and Broadfield, joined together to successfully stage a free production of Cinderella, which was so successful over 400 people attended. This year, The Base community centre in Leyland took the lead and continued the tradition with a “Beauty & The Beast” pantomime.

The cast was made up of dedicated community members and volunteers, and the production was directed by the community services manager from our charity arm, Key Unlocking Futures, Andrea Andrews. Local volunteers also contributed by creating the show's props, costumes, and backdrops, making the production a real community-driven effort.

A highlight of the production was the role of Nanny Nightmare, played by Danny Bee, who has been a presenter for ROCK FM, Real Radio, and WISH FM. Danny is also the Managing Director of UK Media Events Limited and has been volunteering his time at The Base community centre helping them to set up a music/ podcast studio which has been donated to the centre to encourage people from the community to visit the centre, learn a new skill and eventually produce their music or podcast. It was while volunteering Danny offered to play the role of Nanny Nightmare in the panto.

Andrea Andrews, Community Services Manager for Key Unlocking Futures, said: "The panto has once again shown the amazing community spirit we have in Leyland. It has been so wonderful to see how many people have volunteered their time to take part, help out and come along to support us. This year's panto was a huge success and I'm just so pleased that we can provide some fun and laughter to the people in our communities who might not have been able to afford to go to a pantomime."

The Base II community centre located on Broadfield Drive in Leyland, is run by Leyland charity Key Unlocking Futures. The Base community centre has been running for over five years but took on additional larger premises with support from Progress Housing Group and South Ribble Borough Council, as the services and need for the centre increased and they needed more space. The community centres offer a wide range of support to the local community, including a free community café, community shop, launderette, drop-in support sessions, social groups, and regular community events.

Progress Housing Group also owns and manages The Place community centre in Wade Hall.

To learn more about our charity partner Key Unlocking Futures visit - www.keycharity.org.uk