Embracing the festive cheer, FareShare South West recently hosted its inaugural Christmas Pantomime, skilfully written and performed by our talented Bristol volunteers.
The Panto featured volunteers with varying levels of experience – from seasoned theatre enthusiasts to those encountering the slightly nuts English tradition for the first time. Yet, the common thread was the genuine joy and fun experienced by all involved, reflecting the collaborative and supportive spirit that defines our volunteer community.
Wendy, one of our volunteer ambassadors and the mastermind behind the pantomime, says she was “inspired by the idea of promoting a better sense of community within the volunteers.” She “suggested that putting on a pantomime would certainly create a sense of community and spread the joy at this festive time. YES! came the reply.”
With a mere two weeks to source a script, gather a cast, and set the stage, the process was a whirlwind. Despite the challenges, the enthusiasm and willingness of our volunteers to embrace the silliness and be part of the production was inspiring. Wendy reflected, “Although we won’t win any Oscars, everyone appeared to have fun, and I can at last sleep again! Oh no, you can’t, I hear you say. Well, maybe until this time next year!”
For a few of our volunteers, who have recently arrived in Bristol seeking asylum, the experience went beyond mere participation in a play. Hinder, one of the performers, talked about how the experience brought the group together, saying “Five of us are living in the same place, and we all had a rehearsal together.” Pardeep added, “We are learning new things, helping others, making friends.”
The joy and sense of community from the Pantomime extends beyond the performance, encapsulating the spirit of volunteering with FareShare South West. Sunny said, “Volunteering has been a chance to explore Bristol and see new places and meet new people,” while Pardeep shared insights into the future: “In the future, it will help us with our CVs to get jobs and build a better life.”
The FareShare South West Pantomime not only brought a lot of laughter and holiday cheer, but also embodied the inclusivity and positive impact that volunteering can have. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Get involved
Interested in joining our volunteer team?
With roles ranging from van driving, to packing orders, to administrative support, there is something for everyone. Get in touch via volunteer@faresharesouthwest.org.uk to discuss current opportunities at our Bristol and Plymouth warehouses.
