So I’m very aware that I’ve been radio silent for the last couple of months but it’s been a super busy time and a bit of a struggle to balance everything as well as finding the time to write. However, I have been working on some exciting projects and this is the perfect time to share one of them with you.

This time last week I was recovering from a very long week spent in the theatre doing all sorts of jobs followed by a very lively after party finishing at 6.30am, and that was in our office – can you believe it? But this story starts months ago.

The PwC Pantomime Story

Every year over 200 employees and alumni dedicate their spare time to producing the renowned PwC Pantomime which is a charitable theatrical production thats core aim is to give kids an experience that brings them joy and (hopefully) nurtures a life-long love of the performing arts. It started out 31 years ago as three shows in a small theatre but has grown phenomenally to today where it is now a full scale theatrical event, running for 8 shows in London’s West End and then tours to a second UK city for an additional 4 shows. This is all only possible because of the support we have from the UK Executive Board and all of the people involved in making it happen – it’s certainly not an easy task especially when fitting it in around your day job.

2017 Hansel & Gretel

This year’s show was a spin on Hansel & Gretel. Those familiar with the story will know how this one ends but along the way there are lots of laughs, some classic fairytale characters you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see and of course the all important singing and dancing dame. My role in all of this was on the choreography team sharing what I love most – dancing! I hadn’t choreographed for a large group of people in years so it was really exciting to get back into it, and I was given an absolute classic – Think, Aretha Franklin. Seeing my dance on The West End for the first time was pretty emotional but so rewarding and the cast were absolutely brilliant.

Over 8000 children from inner city schools and charities were welcomed to watch the performance for free. And with that, came a lot of organisation beforehand and during the shows. I joined the kids volunteers team and helped welcome our guests, get them off their coaches and into the theatre and then back safely at the end of the performance. To see the excitement on their faces on arrival and the pure joy after seeing the show was just so lovely, that’s what makes it all worth it.

On top of that we also support a different charity each year. This year the chosen charity was Gingerbread which is the leading charity working with single parent families. A fantastic cause.

Being my first year involved, I’m so impressed with the talent at PwC. From the production team, the cast, the creative team, hair and make-up and even wardrobe – everything down to the last detail was fantastic. Once you get the panto bug it’s hard to shake, and I can definitely see why! Looking forward to doing it all again next year.

For more info on the panto follow us on Twitter @PwCPanto. The show is on tour in Swansea next week, 9 – 11 Feb, and there are still tickets available so if you are interested you can buy them here!