For the past six years a team of broadcast and marketing professionals from around the North East of England have donated their time to bringing some of the magic of Pantomime to poorly children (and adults), who find themselves in hospital over the festive season.
The selfless-team, once again led by Nicky Scott, Head of Production at Future & Co gave up their time to record, edit and distribute Newcastle Theatre Royal’s performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Nicky explains: “The original idea to film and broadcast the pantomime came from Howard Tait, who is the director of advertising agency MTR and also a trustee of the Theatre Royal. He used to provide tickets to poorly children to see the pantomime at Christmas, but later realised that the sickest children couldn't actually leave hospital, and were missing out. So he came up with the idea to film it and take the show to them instead.”
Although the original idea was for poorly children to be able to enjoy it with their families, it is available to all patients throughout the UK, free of charge via the NHS bedside communications and entertainment system.
The team relies heavily upon the goodwill of businesses who provide the technical equipment required. This includes multiple video cameras, professional audio equipment and reliable comms.
Canford was happy to answer the call for help, and agreed to supply its Tecpro wired intercom system which is routinely used as the communications system of choice for theatres worldwide.
Nicky concludes: “The Tecpro system helps enormously. The live action environment of the pantomime show is very loud, with music, fireworks, actors shouting and audience responding, clapping and cheering. In previous years we struggled using regular walkie-talkies and earpieces, but my camera operators simply couldn't hear me giving them instructions. Using the Tecpro system means that the team can communicate clearly with each other, and I can direct the camera operators to specific shots that I need, or give them advance notice of on stage action, which is crucial with such a fast paced show.”