News: Charity chosen for Whitley Bay Panto

The Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation is the Chosen Pantomime Christmas Charity at the Playhouse Whitley Bay.

Blue Genie Entertainment and the Playhouse Whitley Bay are pleased to announce this year they will be supporting The Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation.

Blue Genie Entertainment Managing Director Gary Telfer said: "It was a tough decision this year. We had hundreds of charities come forward all of them worthy of our support. However, The Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation stood out to us as a local charity that we could support and make a difference too. They are a wonderful family, and they deserve our support. I want to thank all of the other charitable organisations who applied this year and please do re-apply next year."

Based in Throckley, Gail and Matthew Rich formed the Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation after their two daughters Nicole and Jessica were both diagnosed with Batten Disease. The foundation was set up to raise awareness of Batten disease as it's a widely unheard-of condition. Yet, it is the most brutal condition for anyone to have to endure, never mind a child.

Founder Matthew Rich said, "We are thrilled to be the chosen charity for this year's pantomime. We want to say a big thank-you to Blue Genie Entertainment and The Playhouse Whitley Bay for choosing us. We are a local charity, and this means so much to us. Funds raised by the pantomime will make a huge difference to us. We will now be able to bring forward a campaign to raise awareness of Batten disease; this is such great news we're so excited to be involved."

Due to the generosity of people last year, Blue Genie Entertainment and the Playhouse raised over an incredible £6000 for North Tyneside based Charity LD North East. This year they are hoping people will be as forthcoming and are aiming to be just as successful with The Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation.

Jack and The Beanstalk, starring Britain's Got Talent Winner Ashleigh Butler and her dog Sully, X factor finalist Molly Scott and hilarious Playhouse favourite Steve Walls, opens on the 30th November – 4th January at Playhouse, Whitley Bay. Tickets available at https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/kXADv  #Ad