Springboard to hold charity pantomime

12 December 2016 by Katey Pigden

The Springboard Charity will be holding its first pantomime in January 2017, in partnership with Kings Place and Green & Fortune, to raise funds to support people into a hospitality career.

Springderella, an adaptation of Cinderella will feature performances from some of hospitality's leading lights including Chris Penn, Peter Hancock, Jonathan Raggett, Andrew McKenzie, Bob Silk, Anne Britton, Charlotte Horler, Gary King, Josh Light and David Cowdery.

The two shows on 19 and 20 January 2017 will be held at Kings Place in London and will also include some surprise cameo roles.

The pantomime will raise funds to help young people achieve their potential, nurture unemployed adults into work and help alleviate poverty by supporting people into employment within hospitality, leisure and tourism.

Penn, the former managing director at the Ace Hotel London Shoreditch, who came up with the idea of the panto, said: "Springboard is a charity that recognises the need to embrace change and act differently to attract and support employment into hospitality, leisure and tourism.

"The industry is changing, the employees and consumers are evolving, and it was about time that industry events started changing and innovating away from exclusive and sometimes intimidating black tie functions."

He added: "I think that a pantomime is the perfect way to show a fun and fresh new side of the industry's leaders as a backdrop to bringing together like minded humans in support of an honourable cause."

Anne Pierce, Springboard's CEO, said: "We're always on the look-out for imaginative ways to support the work of the Springboard Charity and when Chris Penn mentioned doing a panto, we absolutely loved the idea and leapt at the chance. We were overwhelmed with the support from industry and the number of people who have a penchant for dressing up!

"The panto promises to be full of entertainment and fun - we can't wait to see leading industry figures take part in our adaptation of Cinderella in January.
Tickets start from £17.50 and hospitality packages are available - for a minimum of two people - including champagne and canapes upon arrival and during the interval.

A post-pantomime party will also be held featuring food and drink, a DJ and a photo booth with pantomime props.

Tickets can be bought via the Kings Place website: kingsplace.co.uk/Springderella
To sponsor the event or get involved contact: Geoffreyr@springboarduk.org.uk

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