Syngenta help spread Christmas magic with a trip to the pantomime

2024 December 17

Pantomime is often a child’s first experience of theatre but for many children and their families in Kirklees, a festive trip to the theatre just isn’t possible.

Our annual Christmas Heroes appeal enables those in our community, who need it the most, to experience the absolute joy that pantomime brings as we invite children and their families from across Kirklees to Lawrence Batley Theatre.

For the 8th year, employees from Syngenta Huddersfield, have supported our Christmas Heroes appeal by making a generous donation through the ‘Syngenta Employees Community Gift’; a fund where staff make donations from their salary which is matched by the company.

This year Syngenta invited 400 local children to visit Lawrence Batley Theatre to see our festive pantomime, Dick Whittington. Syngenta arranged transport to and from the theatre and treated each child to an ice cream at the Interval.

Megan Smith from Syngenta said: ”Dick Whittington was an absolutely fantastic performance at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. We are now in our 8th year of backing the Lawrence Batley Theatre Christmas Heroes' appeal. I am incredibly proud to represent Syngenta and so pleased that our partnership continues so that hundreds of local children experience the magic of the pantomime.”

Becky Dash, chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre said: “A huge thank you to the Syngenta employees for choosing to back our Christmas Heroes appeal again this year as Lawrence Batley Theatre celebrates its 30th year. We're committed to inspiring young people and making the theatre lovers of the future. Live performance and time spent together makes a lasting impact on young people's lives, provides space for imagination and inspires them to dream bigger. That's the magic we can bring to our community and we are so proud to be able to reach even more young people with Syngenta's invaluable support.”

A dynamic stage scene featuring a performer in a striking red and black costume with textured fur details, standing at the centre with one arm confidently pointing upward. Surrounding the performer are a group of children dressed as playful rats, wearing leather vests, furry leg warmers, and bandanas with mouse ears. The vibrant, theatrical backdrop is a stylized dungeon-like setting with arches and columns, illuminated by colourful stage lighting.

Actors in vibrant costumes perform on a brightly lit stage featuring a medieval-themed backdrop. The backdrop displays two golden dragons, a royal crest, and ornate red and gold banners. The cast includes characters in elaborate outfits, including knights, jesters, and royalty, with some dressed as animals, creating a lively and theatrical scene

Three performers in colourful costumes stand behind a table on a theatrical stage with a cartoonish backdrop resembling a kitchen. The central character wears a bright red outfit with a tall, exaggerated wig shaped like a flame and has a comedic, exaggerated expression. To the left, a performer in a blue sailor outfit with red accents laughs joyfully. To the right, another performer dressed as a brown cat holds a plate of food and looks amused.

There is still time to support our appeal this year. For every £19 donated we can bring one child to experience the magic of pantomime with a VIP ticket, a programme and an ice cream. Every donation, no matter the amount, can make a real difference to a child right here in your local community. You can donate online, at our Box Office or by cheque (made out to Lawrence Batley Theatre with “Christmas Heroes” in the memo).