Talented Portsmouth Panto stars raise thousands for charity at Kings at the Queens

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.

22nd December 2025