Alternative Medicine are back for panto in January

For the first time, they are holding their pantomime shortly after Christmas and proceeds from the ticket sales will be going towards the new McMillan Unit at Antrim Hospital.

The local amateur dramatics group formed back in 1985, and was based at the old Waveney Hospital Site.

The members were mostly hospital staff and every December they presented a pantomime.

Through the years they have donated the proceeds to numerous hospital departments and community projects.

Some of the original members from 1985 are still with the theatre company, as well as others who have joined the case and crew throughout the years. Of course, there are a few new faces this year too.

This year’s pantomime is the classic ‘Cinderella.’ The script was written in 2007, so it has a modern twist to it.

It follows the traditional story of the famous and well loved fairytale.

All the characters that you would expect to see will be there and a few others as well.

It is directed by Len Hall and co-directed by Alan McCandless and Tom Smith.

One of the differences this year is that the shows are being staged this coming January in the Braid Arts Centre.

There will be four performances: Thursday, January 5 at 8pm; Friday, January 6 at 8pm; Saturday, January 7 at 1.30pm and the last show is on Saturday, January 7 at 8pm. The price for admission is only £5 for adults and £4 for children and senior citizens.

Also benefiting from a donation from the proceeds is the Friday night club. This is a youth club for young people with physical disabilities.

The group hope that the Ballymena public and from further afield remember them and keep supporting them in the way they have done in the past.