Member Article

Mrs Smee hooks in pirates to support charity gift wrap

intu Eldon Square’s popular Christmas gift wrapping service has been launched by the most glamorous panto dame in the North East – Newcastle Theatre Royal’s sensational Chris Hayward.

Chris took time out of his hectic schedule, starring as the loveable Mrs Smee in the record-breaking production of Peter Pan The High Flying Adventure at the Theatre Royal to add a sprinkle of stardust to support a charity gift wrapping promotion which is based between Fenwick and Boots in the city centre’s shopping mall.

Busy shoppers can visit the gift wrapping stand and have their presents beautifully wrapped by nimble fingered volunteers from The Children’s Foundation, in return for a donation to the charity that aims to improve the lives of children here in the North East.

Chris, who is enjoying his 11th appearance in the Theatre Royal’s famous pantomime, was accompanied by two of Captain Hook’s pesky pirates who wanted to show that even the baddies in panto do have a heart.

Chris said:

“Having a gift wrap stand like this is such a fantastic idea, especially for people like our panto cast who are super-busy during the festive season. I have minimal spare time on the run up to Christmas so I’ll definitely be nipping into intu Eldon Square to buy my gifts and take them straight to The Children’s Foundation stand to be made absolutely fabulous!

“We’ve had a great time helping out at the stand today; I have to admit the pirates aren’t much use at wrapping, but they have been very successful at encouraging shoppers to bring their gifts to the stand!”

Clare Cannon, community manager at intu Eldon Square, added:

“We’d like to thank Chris and the pirates for being mega stars and taking time out to support the gift wrap stand, which is always such a huge success and a great fundraiser for The Children’s Foundation. At this special time of giving, intu Eldon Square is delighted to be able to help both our shoppers and a very worthwhile cause indeed!”

Laura McVeigh, Regional Community & Events Fundraiser for The Children’s Foundation, commented:

“Big thanks to the super glamorous Mrs Smee who certainly turned a few heads today, and to the hard-working pirates, who managed to hook in a good number of interested shoppers!

“This is our eleventh season providing this service, and we are indebted to both intu Eldon Square and the generosity of the public as we have raised almost £30,000 over the years.”

Christmas Gift Wrap Stand

intu Eldon Square Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm Christmas Eve Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Peter Pan – the High Flying Pantomime Adventure

NewcastleTheatre Royal until Sun 21 January 2018. Evenings at 7pm/5pm and matinees at 1pm/ 2pm. Tickets from £13. Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lyn Spencer .