Talented cast members from Portsmouth’s much-loved pantomime shows helped to raise thousands of pounds for a fantastic local cause when they took part in A Royal Engagement: Kings at the Queens, a special festive cabaret held at the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth.
Members from Portsmouth Theatres, including Kings Theatre and Theatre Royal, gave up their evening off to perform at the Christmas event in the Winter Lodge at The Queens Hotel.
Pompey panto favourite Jack Edwards compered the evening with great aplomb and clearly relished introducing cast members from this year’s pantomimes, Aladdin at the Kings Theatre and Snow White at Theatre Royal.
Entertainment highlights included Dusty Lee getting the audience singing along to Three Little Birds, while Shaun Williamson, best known as Barry from EastEnders, delighted guests by belting out a selection of well-loved favourites. Portsmouth Theatres’ choir, Resonate, brought the evening to a memorable close with a festive mix of carols and show-stopping tunes.
This marked the third year that the Queens Hotel and Portsmouth Theatres have come together to support a local good cause, while also offering audiences the chance to enjoy an intimate evening of entertainment and festive sing-along with some of the city’s most talented performers.
General Manager Paul Playford said:
“It’s always such an enjoyable evening when the cast members come to the Queens and put on a show. We really appreciate the fact that they give up their valuable night off to come and entertain us. This is the third year we’ve done this and it’s brilliant to be able to support local charities and good causes in such an enjoyable way.”
Portsmouth Theatres’ CEO Richard Pearce added:
“We’re delighted to once again be part of this wonderful tradition at The Queens Hotel, bringing together our panto casts for the third Kings at the Queens event, and this time adding the beautiful Theatre Royal to the proceedings.
Our partnerships with The Queens, Portsmouth FC and Pompey in the Community reflect our shared belief in giving back and supporting local charities. As a charitable trust ourselves, we understand the power of community and are proud to play our part in celebrating the heart and festive spirit of this city at this most wonderful time of the year.”
Clare Martin MBE, CEO of Pompey in the Community, explained that the £2,000 raised on the night will help the charity continue its vital work across the city, using the motivational power of Portsmouth Football Club to promote education, healthy living, sporting participation and achievement among vulnerable and disadvantaged people of all ages.
Last week we were delighted to host The FreeSpirit Charity Launch here at The Queens Hotel, where FreeSpirit launched their pioneering project to deliver a community boat designed to enhance wellbeing through access to water. The initiative will support a variety of community groups, including veterans, individuals facing mental health challenges, and those seeking the therapeutic benefits of water-based activities.
With over 150 attendees present and participants joining live from more than 20 countries, The FreeSpirit community came together to mark the beginning of an inspiring movement.
Founder Ross Honey said, “The event was a huge success, and we couldn’t have asked for a better venue or support”
FreeSpirit trustees took to the stage sharing their expertise and discussing the various therapeutic approaches; treatments and activities, that will serve as the foundations of the project. Specialists in health, wellbeing, and marine-based activities emphasised the life-changing offerings of FreeSpirit, and how the tailored support will foster meaningful transformations.
Events Manager Davina Playford said: “The FreeSpirit Charity Launch at The Queens Hotel was a great success. The turnout far exceeded all expectations, demonstrating the incredible support for this project. The impactful speeches delivered by Ross, Trustees, and Specialists shed light on their charitable efforts and further emphasised the strong sense of community spirit that makes Portsmouth so unique.”
The expediential growth and increasing network of global supporters, FreeSpirit is poised to make a lasting impact on individuals seeking healing and connection through water-based activities. As the project moves forward, its mission remain clear; To harness the therapeutic power of water, foster community engagement, and create transformative experience that enhance the wellbeing of all.
The Queens Hotel are thrilled to be on board with this project, and we are all looking forward to seeing the final result.
What a spectacular way to welcome 2025 at The Queens Hotel! From the glitz and glamour of our Las Vegas Ball, where dazzling entertainment and fine dining set the stage for an unforgettable evening, to the cozy yet lively celebrations in our Winter Lodge, every moment was pure magic. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night so special.
Below is a gallery of highlights from last night’s celebrations, beautifully captured by the talented Steve Spurgin.
A huge thank you to Daze Events for the stunning showgirls, DJ Kelly Woods for bringing the Winter Lodge to life, and our amazing magician Colin Phillips and singer Emily Martine who wowed the crowd in the hotel. We also extend our gratitude to the incredible DJ Matt Griffin who kept the Las Vegas Ball dance floor alive all night long.
Here’s to new memories and a fantastic year ahead!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Queens Hotel has been shortlisted as a finalist for the SME Employer of the Year award at the News and Observer Series Apprenticeship Awards, sponsored by SEAAN.
Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent is perfectly represented by our amazing apprentices: Paloma, Vinnie, and Evie, all from HSDC. Paloma recently passed her apprenticeship with distinction, while Vinnie and Evie continue to work diligently through theirs. Their dedication to supporting our kitchen team highlights just how valuable apprenticeships are to our business and the wider hospitality industry.
General Manager Paul Playford said:
“We are honoured to be recognised for our apprenticeship program and the incredible impact it has on both our apprentices and our business. It’s a testament to the hard work of the entire team.”
As we prepare for the Apprenticeship Awards ceremony on October 24th, we would like to thank everyone who has supported our apprentices and helped shape their journey. We look forward to continuing our role in fostering talent and offering opportunities that contribute to both individual and organisational growth.
If you would like to know more about our apprenticeship programme or are interested in learning how we can help you develop the next generation of talent, please contact us at Karen.Packer@queenshotelportsmouth.com
Stay tuned for updates on the awards ceremony and the outcome of our nomination!
What a proud day it was for Portsmouth and the country as a whole as we marked D-Day 80 with two stunning ceremonies and a week of important events.
Earlier in the day on June 5th, the King and Queen with Prince William joined other dignitaries and VIPs to honour the men and women who took part in D-Day. A fly past from the Red Arrows brought the ceremony to a close.
Many of those involved in the national event on Southsea Common chose to stay at the Queens Hotel including veterans and Dame Helen Mirren, who led the televised event.
In the evening, 6,000 guests took their place on Southsea Common for an evening of remembrance, nostalgia, music and a hi-tech drone light show.
Other events included the lighting of beacons in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Southsea Castle, a ceremony at the D-Day memorial in Southsea and the week culminated in the Armed Foces Day gathering on Southsea Common on Saturday June 8th.
General Manager Paul Playford said: “Once again the location of the Queens Hotel meant we were right at the heart of the commemorations to mark D-Day 80.
“Guests staying in our seaview rooms with balconies were treated to a birds eye view of all the activity on Southsea Common.
“And our beautiful garden was the perfect spot for guests and visitors to relax in the afternoon.”
The Visit Portsmouth website has all the up to date information about events happening on our doorstep this summer.
Follow this link here
Photo credits:
Cover image – Sarah Standing | Portsmouth News
Red Arrows – John Whiteaway | local photographer
Enjoy a selection of discounts and benefits from nearby attractions that we have we have organised for our guests.
HOVERTRAVEL
Receive a 25% discount when booking online with promo code given to you by our reception team.
Hotel booking reference number may be required at the time of travel as proof of stay. Please note, senior discount unfortunately don’t apply to this offer.
PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
Receive a 20% discount on the Ultimate Explorer Ticket when booking direct at the Historic Dockyard with one of our flyers.
Please speak to reception to enquire about the flyers.
GUNWHARF QUAYS
Take your Queens Hotel bedroom booking confirmation to the Information Hub at Gunwharf Quays to receive a one-day 10% discount card for a selection of shops.
KINGS THEATRE
Secure the best available seats for just £15, with your booking confirmation. T&C’s apply. Subject to availability.
STUDIO B-COLLECTIVE
Get a special 15% discount for a treatment of your choice – nails, hair, make-up, lash extensions, fillers, massages and more at Studio B-Collective with your booking reference. Request a booking link at the reception. Subject to availability.
D-DAY MUSEUM
Receive a voucher for guests who are visiting the D-Day Museum to access the 20% discount.
Voucher will be required at the time of your visit.
REVIVE
Revive offers a range of therapies and treatments to promote clients’ physical and mental well-being, experienced in the relaxed atmosphere of their contemporary clinic right on our doorstep. A special discount code can be requested during your stay with us.
EVERYBODY PILATES
A group of classical Pilates studios that share a passion for bringing Pilates to everyone, no matter your age, gender or ability. To receive a 20% discount, please use a special customer discount code when booking a session on their website.
BHLIVE PYRAMIDS GYM
Show proof of booking to get 10% off a pay-as-you-go gym session or group class at BH Live Active, Pyramids. Discount is valid only for in-person bookings during your stay, including checkout day. Not valid for online bookings. Full T&Cs provided at the time of the booking.
Portsmouth Pride 2023 was full of colour, fun, laughter, happiness and lots and lots of love.
It was such a joyous day and we were extremely proud to once again be the official hotel of Portsmouth Pride. This exciting partnership allows us to celebrate love and promote inclusion and kindness.
The main Portsmouth Pride event was held on Southsea Common. There was also a parade around the city to kick off the celebrations.
Here at the hotel, we officially opened our garden for the summer on the day of the Pride celebrations. We also served up our exclusive Pride cocktail – the Rainbow. £1 from the sale of each cocktail went to Portsmouth Pride.
What’s more, we were lucky enough to host the VIP Meet & Greet, which saw lots of Pride goers coming to the hotel to meet their favourite acts – Black Peppa and Danny Beard, both of whom were both friendly and hilarious.
The garden was kitted out with Pride décor, including a fabulous balloon arch from Boujee Events Hire and some Pride signs from Victory Events. The sun shone all day too, which certainly helped provide a fun, summer atmosphere.
What a day it was. We’re looking forward to next year already!
Related articles: Shaken but not stirred Portsmouth Pride 2022 was an amazing event
Our wonderful event coordinator, Irene Garcia, has recently gone for the chop and has donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
The Little Princess Trust is a charity that provides free real hair wigs to children and young people, aged up to 24 years, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.
Belinda Cleary from Medusa Hairdressing (just along Osborne Road in Southsea, near the hotel) kindly did the deed and gave Irene a lovely new summertime look.
It’s not the first time Irene has donated her hair – over the past seven years she has donated nearly two metres of hair.
“Back home in Spain I have donated my hair on several occasions and I was more than happy to support the Little Princess Trust.
“Thanks so much to Belinda for generously giving her time to cut my hair – I really appreciated it,” she said
Well done, Irene.
Related articles: Queens Hotel General Manager is raising funds for CEO Sleepout, Running the Great South Run for a great cause
On Saturday 18 March, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang paid a flying visit to the city of Portsmouth.
The Kings Theatre is proudly presenting a community production of the show (11 – 16 April). To celebrate, the magical car came to visit some of Portsmouth’s iconic landmarks.
The car and its owners, Nicholas and Carolyn Pointing, headed over from the Isle of Wight courtesy of Wightlink Ferries. They landed in Gunwharf Quays in the Centre Courtyard at 8.am, where the crowds had already started to arrive.
There was an overwhelmingly affectionate response to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. People came from far and wide to see it and to have their photos taken with this beautiful vehicle.
Members of the cast were there, including: Paul Clements and Georgia Deboise (playing Caractacus Potts and Truly Scrumptious), Cohen Bates and Ben Greenfield, (playing Jeremy Potts), and Jemima May Rees and Olaya Martinez Cambon, (playing Jemima Potts). All were in costume and posed for lots of pictures with the car and the public. Plus, a whole troupe of the ensemble cast were out and about answering questions and handing out flyers.
After a photo opportunity with the Spinnaker Tower, a popular Portsmouth photo backdrop, Chitty headed over to Portsmouth International Port. There, they were escorted to the jetty to say au revoir to Brittany Ferries Mont St Michel, much to the delight of the staff and ferry passengers.
Next, the cast and car were welcomed by an amazing crowd that had gathered at The Queens Hotel. Caractacus Potts and Truly Scrumptious were treated to the hotel’s Chitty themed cocktails – a Toot Sweet and an Old Bamboo. They looked and tasted delicious and will be available at the hotel for pre-theatre drinks during show week. Highly recommended!
After a leisurely drive along the seafront, the car arrived at the Hovercraft where it lined up next to the launch area for some iconic photos of these two classic modes of transport.
As the sun began to set, the crowd waved a fond farewell as Chitty headed back to Wightlink for the journey home.
Watch the short film below.
Photo and video credit: Gabriel Worsley for The Kings Theatre
Paul Playford has recently been announced as the General Manager of the Queens Hotel, Portsmouth. Paul has gained a wealth of experience working in hospitality at major venues across Hampshire.
A former City of Portsmouth Boys School pupil, Paul began his career with major hotel brands Marriott and Hilton. There, he learned the ropes and worked his way up in the kitchen. He then became Sous Chef at the Solent Hotel in Whiteley. From 2006, he was Head Chef at the Royal Beach Hotel.
Queens Hotel Managing Director, Farid Yeganeh, said: ” I have known Paul for many years. I welcome his hands-on experience, attention to detail and ability to lead a team.
“He joins the Queens Hotel as we open our re-designed garden and continue our refurbishment programme.”
Looking ahead, Paul said he is keen to ensure a consistent standard of service for guests and visitors to enjoy.
“My aim is to take the Queens Hotel to the next stage of her journey. I want to ensure she is a vibrant hotel delivering a good quality service. A happy team means guests will receive the best service and enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
“We have a unique offering. We are an independently owned hotel in a beautiful, characterful building and we want to be recognised as offering a really good, four-star experience,” he said.
The Queens was one of the first hotels in Southsea. She has been the place families have chosen to celebrate for more than 150 years. Since 2017, £5.2m has been invested in the hotel and it is an on-going project with future plans, including the creation of a spa.
Seen as being at the heart of Southsea, this summer the Queens Hotel will sponsor the massively popular Southsea Food Festival. We will also be announcing a new partnership with Portsmouth Pride.
We were delighted to be the recipients of the Freedom of the City. This was in recognition of the work we did to support our community during the first lockdown, when we cooked hundreds of meals for vulnerable people. To learn more, please click here.