Jack and the Beanstalk cast climb high for NHS winter wellbeing campaign – fee-fi-fo-fum, they certainly do!
Health and care services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are encouraging local people to ‘Stay Well This Winter’ with a little help from this year’s seasonal panto stars, Jack and the Beanstalk.
With Christmas just over a week away, the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome are backing the Stay Well This Winter campaign, which connects people to vital wellbeing support, advice and guidance during the colder winter months.
The much-loved pantomime characters met with award-winning Bedminster pharmacist Ade Williams MBE to learn more about the campaign and how they could help spread key winter wellbeing messages.
Ade said:
“We’re really grateful to the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk for taking time out of their busy schedule to support our winter campaign.
“As the weather turns colder it’s important to take extra steps to keep warm. Lower temperatures increase the risk of colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression, particularly for our more vulnerable residents.
“By taking small steps, as Jack does when climbing the famous beanstalk, we can all help ourselves and those around us to stay well. And if we all play our part this winter, we can make a giant difference — without waking any grumpy giants along the way! After all, staying well shouldn’t be a fairy tale, with a bit of preparation, everyone can feel like they’re living happily ever after.”
Jack, played by Benjamin Yates, said:
“In our panto, a handful of magic beans helps me face some pretty big challenges but in real life it’s the small everyday things that make the biggest difference. Whether it’s getting vaccinated, tackling winter money worries or getting the right NHS care for your needs, these simple steps can really help people stay well over winter.”
Ade added:
“Winter can be tough for our wellbeing, but there is lots you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones, including keeping warm at home and staying active. It’s also good to remind yourself of how to get help over the bank holidays should you need more urgent care. Services including
NHS 111, minor injury units and emergency pharmacies will all be open throughout the holiday period. We have plenty of advice and guidance on our Stay Well This Winter website.”
And with winter infections rising there’s a renewed call to local people to boost their immunity with flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Flu and Covid-19 circulate more widely in winter and right now we’re now seeing a sharp rise in cases across our communities and in our hospitals. Getting vaccinated for free on the NHS, if you are eligible, is our best defence – especially if you are older or have an underlying health condition. It gives strong protection and is one of the most important steps you can take to stay well this winter.
“With Christmas Day just over a week away, we also want to encourage people to collect repeat prescriptions now to ensure they have enough medication to cover the festive break.
“With so much going on in the run up to Christmas, it is easy to forget about those other everyday essentials such as prescription medicine.”
People can order their repeat prescriptions and find out if they are eligible for a free vaccine via the NHS App.
More information is available on the Stay Well This Winter page and on the Healthier Together social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Jack and the Beanstalk is showing at the Bristol Hippodrome from now until Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets can be booked via the ATG website.