EVERY year the Everyman Theatre chooses a charity to support throughout its pantomime season and this year has chosen Readathon, in memory of Henry Bromberg aged 10, who was both an Ambassador for Readathon and also a member of the Everyman’s EveryKid Drama Club.

Readathon’s sponsored read is simple and it works.

It gets children reading for fun and the money they raise helps buy books and storyteller visits for children in hospital - children like Henry Bromberg for whom books in hospital were so vital.

As Readathon’s Young Ambassador, Henry captured hearts with his regular appearances on BBC TV’s Points West.

Henry was full of life, despite only having half a heart and he was obsessed with books (and pugs).

Henry enjoyed the storytelling at EveryKid Drama and he loved re-enacting the stories with his friends on Saturday mornings at the theatre.

Henry sadly passed away earlier this year, but to celebrate his love of Readathon and his annual trip to the panto, the Everyman has selected Nailsworth- based Readathon as this year’s panto charity.

Everyman chief executive, Geoffrey Rowe, said: “The Everyman is keen to support Henry’s wish to see more schools supporting Readathon, so that more children like him in hospital can have visits from storytellers and bookcases of books.

Henry understood at first-hand what a difference the charity Readathon makes to children’s lives.

"Readathon helps to break the monotony of a hospital stay and it transports children into another world of literary adventures. The Everyman Theatre is delighted to be working in association with Readathon, to support its service in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital as a fitting tribute to Henry.”

Gloucestershire Schools who sign up for a Readathon Kit before December 9 will be entered into a prize draw to win a Family Ticket (x4 tickets) to this year’s Everyman Theatre Pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk (November 25 -January 8 2017), starring Tweedy the Clown.

The VIP Tickets will include programmes, goody bags and a chance to go backstage after the show, have a look at the set and meet Tweedy himself.

The Everyman is also donating a free drama workshop to the winning school, based around books and storytelling.

In addition to this, the theatre will be dedicating the matinee performance on December 3 at 2pm to Henry Bromberg.

There will be retiring collections in aid of Readathon and the opportunity to find out more about the charity and how you can help.

And in a move that the theatre hopes Henry would have loved, everyone is being encouraged to come to the performance dressed as a favourite book, fairytale or pantomime character.

Henry’s parents, Laura and Robert Bromberg said of the partnership: “Henry loved going to the panto every year. He’d be so proud that Tweedy and the Everyman have pledged to continue his work for Readathon, encouraging children to read for fun and raise money for children in hospital.”

  • Schools can find out more and order their free Readathon kit at readathon.org or call Marian on 01453 839002.
  •  To book tickets for the special matinee performance dedicated to Henry go to everymantheatre.org.uk or call Box Office on 01242 572573.