THE show will go on for poorly youngsters staying in the children’s unit at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

Last week the Adver reported that a packed schedule forced a touring panto company to leave GWH of its touring list.

That led to play nurses at the hospital appealing for someone to come in and rescue the show.

And now, thanks to New College, the children’s ward has gone from having no panto, to preparing for the sci-fi sensation Cinderella and Her Interstellar Adventure, which follows the comic adventures of Lucy Skywalker as she battles the evil Daft Vader.

Course leaders from performing arts courses came together to see what they could do to help the children at the hospital.

Gemma Mulrooney, hair and media make-up course leader said: “When I first read that the children’s ward wasn’t getting a panto I contacted Nicola and Alisa straight away to see if this was something we could offer.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the performing arts learners to perform outside of a theatre setting but also for such a good cause - bringing joy and laughter to children who need it the most. That is what Christmas is all about.”

For the last four years young patients at GWH have looked forward to a festive performance where the wards are transformed into temporary theatres for pop-up pantomimes.

Performing arts departments such as dance and media make-up are all playing a role in pulling the panto together.

Students are excited to visit the hospital and showcase their production, which will include eye-catching make-up and dazzling costumes.

Dance lecturer Alisa Holt said: “The students all jumped at the chance to help because just like the staff they wanted to be able to make the children at the hospital smile. We are really proud of the way that they were so keen to help out and have given up their own time to spread a little Christmas joy.”

Students are now in the final stages of the rehearsals for the panto, which will be performed exclusively to the patients on December 19.