Film first for BFF Panto Bus

14th December 2020

Back to News

Armed Forces families weren't going to go without their annual festive fun despite Covid restrictions putting pay to many visits on the BFF Panto Bus tour calendar.

Instead, for those unable to host a live performance, the charity, with support from the Veterans' Foundation, filmed its first ever theatrical production of Cinderella for everyone to enjoy in their own homes or social bubbles. A link to the film and an activity pack was sent to Royal Naval, Army and RAF bases across the UK.

"Thank you so much it looks amazing," said RAF Leeming's Service Community Support Officer FS Dean Bradley."Historically every year the BFF Panto Bus has played to the RAF Leeming Community via two shows in the Station Primary School normally reaching the 250 children there as well as the 60 or so children from the Station Nursery which were invited along to the first performance. I have always been honoured to host the cast and it has been a delight to feel part of the small but amazing team for the day. I will be sending the link to the school this morning and to local schools which also have military children to see if they can be also benefit by seeing the amazing show."

News of the panto was enthusiastically received by the Royal Navy. "What a fantastic initiative and one that will definitely lift the spirits of our Service Personnel and their families," said Jo Gower. "As Manager for the RN Family online Engagement, it would be great to add this to the Royal Navy Forum and our Facebook Page from which we can then share into our 57 private Facebook groups."

And from the Army Foundation College, Barry Appleton, said: "This is excellent news and will go down a treat by all at the Army Foundation College. What a wonderful surprise this will be for the families."