A pantomime cast visited hospice patients in costume - oh yes they did! 

Patients at the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice on Bridgeman Road, Penarth, met cast from the Crossroads Pantomimes production of Cinderella - including Prince Charming, also known as TV presenter Gethin Jones and Fairy Godmother Stephanie Webber. 

The New Theatre's magical family pantomime also stars broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans as Dandini, comedian Mike Doyle as the Baroness, Jack Ryan as Buttons and Jalisa Phoenix-Roberts and Lucy Elson as Wicked Sisters Claudia and Tess.

Denquar Chupak stars as Cinderella in the show, which promises a production packed full of sensational special effects, beautiful costumes, music, comedy, dancing, and audience participation.   

Between performances on Thursday, the busy cast popped by the Penarth hospice, which provides round-the-clock expert care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  

 "Christmas can be a difficult time for people dealing with illness at end of life and their families, so we were thrilled to be able to visit the hospice to bring a sprinkling of festive magic to patients, staff and visitors," said Gethin.

"To be able to meet the patients, their families and to see for a short time the wonderful care provided by Marie Curie Nurses was wonderful." 

Marie Curie Clinical Lead for Hospice services in Wales, Helen Cosh, said: "We try to do as much as we can to make sure Christmas continues to be a special occasion for the patients we care for, and their families, leading up to the big day – and on Christmas Day itself. 

"We are so grateful to everyone who visits the hospice around this period to provide our patients – and our staff – with a little entertainment. 

"Thank you to the cast of Cinderella for coming along and spreading some festive cheer."

Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity and is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, campaigning to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience.

The charity's Information and Support Line will have extended opening hours over Christmas. The Support Line will be open from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and from 10am to 2pm on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On New Years's Eve it will open from 10am to 4pm, and 10am to 2pm again on New Year's Day. If you need support, call 0800 090 2309. 

For full details about Cinderella and to book tickets visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0343 310 0041. The show runs until 5 January.