MEMBERS of the local medical world swap their stethoscopes for grease paint with the Mountbatten Players pantomime Babes in the Wood.
The Mountbatten Players was formed 13 years ago by staff from the Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and the group have gained an enviable reputation for their high-spirited and professional pantos.
Set in medieval times, Babes in the Wood tells how King Richard the Lionheart's niece and nephew Tommy and Molly are kidnapped by the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham.
In true panto spirit, the babes are eventually rescued by Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
The panto has been written and directed by Peter Pitcher, a nurse and health-care manager in Southampton. This is his fifth home-written panto for the group.
"Babes in the Wood is a lesser-known fairy story so it's great to do something different. This version has lots of slapstick and swashbuckling sword-fights with Robin Hood and his Merry Men involved," he says.
"We've got people from all walks of the medical profession taking part - doctors, nurses, Denplan specialists and healthcare workers."
Collections during the panto go towards helping the Countess Mountbatten House, a hospice for terminally-ill patients in West End.
20 - 24 January, The Point Theatre, Eastleigh. Tickets: from £7.50. Box office: 023 8065 2333.
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