Member Article

HAYS TRAVEL ON BOARD FOR ANOTHER PANTO JOURNEY

Independent travel agent Hays Travel is delighted to be main sponsor for The Customs House annual panto yet again. A role that the Sunderland based company have stepped into every year for well over a decade!

John Hays, managing director of Hays Travel, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we are supporting The Customs House pantomime again this year.

“The Customs House panto is one of the best around… It’s always a great kick start to Christmas for our staff and their children. Personally for us as a family attending the panto has become a traditional highlight of the festive season.”

Hays Travel is the largest independent travel agent in the UK, with branches all the over the country. The first one opened in Seaham, County Durham, in 1980.

Hays Travel has previously been included in The Sunday Times’ 100 Best Companies to Work For list and it supports local communities via The Hays Travel Foundation.

Ray Spencer, executive director of The Customs House, who co-writes, directs and stars in the panto, said: “

We are delighted, and humbled by the support Hays Travel have, and continue to give us. They are now as much a part of our panto as Dame Bella Ballcock is herself! We would all like to thank John and everyone at Hays for their ongoing support.“

Why was the Prince of Peterlee turned into the Beast of Cooksonville by the beautiful enchantress, and how was the hapless Arbuthnot turned into Hénry the vaccum? All will be revealed as Dame Bella Ballcock leads the band of merry players through an inimitable take on this well-loved story.

This year, Beauty and the Beast will be supporting Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids charity, with donations collected at the end of every show, and The Customs House also being a collection point for unwrapped children’s gifts supporting the charity’s Mission Christmas Campaign bringing festive joy to North East children, who, without this initiative, would not receive presents at Christmas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicky Mckeen .