BFF Panto Bus

17th December 2019

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The BFF Panto Bus delivered a record number of shows to forces families this Christmas both at home and overseas.

There were no fewer than six tours out on the road - across the UK, northern Europe and Cyprus - thanks to the generous support of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the Army Central Fund and the Veterans' Foundation in particular.

Audience sizes ranged from 60 to 600 plus as the Panto Bus cast dropped in on Army, Royal Navy and RAF bases both large and small to ensure as many military families as possible got to enjoy some free festive fun.

Major Karl Brennan of 3 RHA said: "The BFF always go the extra mile for the children but the effort the Panto Bus crew put into tonight’s performance was amazing.  It was a delight to see the children enjoying all the traditions of pantomime, booing the ‘baddies’ and cheering the ‘goodies’ with gusto and enjoying the real pantomime experience!

"What a fantastic event, with such fabulous performers and a real theatre ambience which was created in the regimental gymnasium. The children (and adults) loved every second and we are already 100% looking forward to next year’s performance."

RAF High Wycombe HIVE wrote on Facebook: "What an amazing show from the Panto Bus! RAF High Wycombe turned out in force to watch a stellar performance of Sleeping Beauty, side splitting humour from Nurse Nelly and the cast! Torn ligaments didn't stop Maleficent being the baddest of baddies (in a wheelchair) the whole cast were amazing, thanks to our wonderful community for coming along and thank you to British Forces Foundation for giving us such an amazing show! You certainly did boost morale here at RAF High Wycombe! Thank you also to the amazing Community Support Team who turned out in force to support, sing and dance in equal measure! We are so looking forward to next year's performance already …… oh yes we are!!!"

And Jeanette Wood of Naval Service Family and People Support at 40 Cdo said: "A massive thank you for the pantomime delivered at 40 Cdo - this was attended by 81 children and adults and I think it is very safe to say they all had a jolly good time. We have only had very positive comments, and everyone was very appreciative and enjoyed the event. The cast were absolutely fantastic and very professional."