The cast of the Derby Arena pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, have teamed up with Derby City Council’s fostering team to highlight the number of children in care seeking a family of their own.
A specially recorded video, which can be viewed on social media and the Derby LIVE YouTube channel, has been filmed onstage at Derby Arena. But instead of focusing on the colourful pantomime set, the camera looks outwards onto around 640 empty seats in the auditorium, each of which could be filled by a child in care in Derby who could benefit from a stable and loving home.
The clip features Sophia Lewis, who plays Princess Rose, and Morgan Brind, who plays the Princess’s doting nanny, Nurse Nancy Nightley. They encourage viewers interested in fostering to find out more at derby.gov.uk/fostering, and to return next year, filling the seats with happy and safe children.
Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles from Little Wolf Entertainment said:
For many people, their first childhood pantomime is a precious memory. Every child deserves to make happy memories as they grow up, and we were more than happy to support Derby City Council’s campaign to find more foster carers, especially at this time of year.
Councillor Evonne Williams, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
Seeing that number of empty seats is very thought-provoking and if it makes just one person start thinking about becoming a foster carer, it will be a success. We are grateful to Little Wolf Entertainment and the cast members of Sleeping Beauty for giving up their time to highlight our campaign.