LOCAL panto society HAPS has fallen on hard times and is appealing to the people of Hereford for a boost. HAPS (Herefordshire Amateur Pantomime Society) was formed in 1982 following the closure of the Wiggins Pantomime Society and has raised around £50,000 for local charities since then.
Each year the society gives a minimum donation of £1,000 to their chosen charity and for the last few years, they have only just broken even after making that donation, and just one failed panto (due to bad weather, low ticket sales etc.) could easily put an end to the society.
The annual HAPS pantomimes have been a constant in the city, a great community project which would be a huge loss to the charities it supports, not to mention its current members, many of whom have three generations involved - the longest serving member has been involved for over 50 years.
Each year the pantomime is performed at The Courtyard during February half-term. This year they will be performing Dick Whittington between February 17 to 20. Unlike the panto's hero, HAPS is seeking not a fortune, but just a way of continuing the good work of the society into the future.
They are desperately seeking a sponsor or sponsors of any size to help with the costs of putting on a pantomime so that as much of the money raised can go to their dedicated charity each year as possible. The total cost of staging a pantomime is between £20,000 and £30,000, but sponsorship could be general sponsorship or for a specific cost such as rehearsal time, costumes or scenery.
HAPS are also always looking for new members - membership is open to anyone aged eight and over and is a great thing to do either as an individual or as a family, suitable for all ages and abilities.
Families are encouraged to join as there are always jobs backstage or front of house for anyone who doesn't fancy being on stage.
Dick Whittington will be at The Courtyard from Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday, February 20. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk.
If you are interested in sponsorship or would like to join HAPS, please call Tony on 01432 355656 / 07973 294556, email hapstreasurer@yahoo.co.uk, or visit herefordpanto.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here