Best medicine for Cannock Hospital patients

Dennis Ffrench and Rebecca Shepherd, who together form D&B Productions, have worked together for more than a decade, bringing theatre into communities, schools and care settings across the country.

And the visit, organised by Your RWTC, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s charity, marked a 30-year milestone for Dennis. He is the longest-serving Black pantomime Dame in the UK, a role he first performed in Wolverhampton, helping to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes in theatre, paving the way for more diverse casting and representation.

The pair are well known for using theatre as a tool for wellbeing, working with people of all ages and backgrounds on themes including mental health, inclusion and confidence.

Kate Harris, Senior Sister on Hilton Main ward, praised the impact the performance had on both patients and staff.

She said: “The atmosphere on the ward completely changed. You could see patients smiling, laughing and really engaging with the characters. Moments like this make such a difference to wellbeing and help lift everyone’s spirits.”

Staff and patients also spoke about the positive and welcoming environment created by the visit, highlighting the strong sense of kindness and togetherness felt across the wards. The laughter and energy brought into the hospital was described as “exactly what patients needed.”

Reflecting on the visit, Dennis said “Hospitals are places of healing, but they don’t have to feel dark or miserable. If we can come in and make people smile, laugh and forget where they are for a moment, that’s incredibly powerful.”

He added: “Playing a Dame has never been about labels – it’s about storytelling, connection and joy. If the audience believes in the character, barriers disappear. That’s the magic of theatre.”