KIDS were left wide-eyed on Friday as a touch of festive theatrical magic was brought to the Children’s Unit at the Great Western Hospital.

‘It’s behind you’ and ‘Oh no it isn’t’ were gleefully shouted from the audience as actors from national charity Starlight strutted their stuff in a pop-up production of panto classic Dick Whittington.

Actress Rachel Shaw, who played three parts – Alice, the fairy and the Queen of Siam – said: “It’s absolutely amazing and really rewarding. It’s such a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

The show was put on by a charity called Starlight which grants wishes to terminally ill children and provides entertainment to kids in hospitals and hospices across the UK.

The current production of Dick Whittington will see the cast and crew visit dozens of children’s wards all over the country during its eight week run.

“The children are incredible and they always love the shows,” said Rachel.

“It’s not nice to have to spend time in hospital, especially at this time of year, and seeing the pantomime always puts a smile on their faces.

“A room of three people is just as loud as a room with 30 because they get really involved and shout their heads off, which we love.”

The show follows Starlight’s previous performances of other panto classics including Aladdin and Robinson Crusoe, all of which have received rave reviews from patients, parents and staff at GWH.

Claire Parks, senior play specialist at GWH, said: “There’s never a good time for a child to be in hospital but it can be even more difficult for them at Christmas.

“The Starlight pantomime does a fantastic job in reminding patients and their parents that Christmas does, in fact, come to hospitals and fun can still be had even under difficult circumstances.

“I’m really excited for curtain up as I know just how valuable laughter, music and general silliness can be to a child’s recovery.”

This year’s production of Dick Whittington told the story of a group of youngsters who accompany the would-be Mayor of London on his trip from Pantoland to the gilded streets of the capital.

Kids were treated to a selection of chirpy musical numbers and plenty of clowning around.

Ten-year-old Olivia Kember has been coming to the hospital to watch the panto every year for the past six years, but this is the first time she has seen a performance of Dick Whittington.

Speaking before the show, an excited Olivia said: “I love the pantomime – it’s really funny. They always make me laugh. My favourite one was Aladdin, but I’m looking forward to seeing this one.”

Sue Wildman, head of children’s services at Starlight, said: “We aim to distract children from the anxiety they feel as a result of their condition and we hope this performance will be just what the doctor ordered.”

The annual pantomime marks the start of what is usually a very busy season for the Children’s Unit, with many local businesses, charities and individuals keen to do whatever they can to bring some festive cheer to the little ones.

In the coming weeks, players from Swindon Town Football Club will visit the ward, as will the riders from local motorcycle club Pinkertons.