A play that was written and performed to raise money for Seaton Hospice at Home has brought in more than £2,000 for the charity. 

Local author Chrissy Evans wrote the comedy ‘SOS Does Shakespeare’ about a hapless Seaton-on-Sea amateur dramatic group, and it was performed by local residents, some of whom had never acted before. 

Chrissy first heard about the palliative care service funded by the Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends when her closest friend, diagnosed with cancer, was reaching the end of her life and needed care at home. 

She said: “I was astonished to learn that the service is entirely funded by volunteers who have to raise over £300,000 each year to keep the service afloat. I asked myself what I could do to support them and, as I’m not fit enough to climb mountains or ride around the country on a bike for sponsorship, I wrote a play.” 

Many people came together to help Chrissy turn her idea into reality. A friend, Christine Newton, acted as producer and Steve Miller, technical manager at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, agreed to be director. Seaton’s Mayor, Amrik Singh, made a guest appearance in the play. 

Local businesses in Colyton, Colyford, Beer and Seaton set up box offices to sell tickets, and local theatres and amateur dramatic groups in Axminster, Colyton and Seaton gave help and advice, and supplied the costumes. 

Chrissy had hoped that the play, performed over two nights at Colyton Town Hall, might raise £1,000 – but the final figure was £2,257. A cheque was presented to Dr Mark Welland, Chair of the League of Friends, last week. 

Lycia Moore, manager of Seaton and District Hospital League of Friends, said: “On behalf of the League of Friends, I would like to thank Chrissy, Christine, Steve and the team for all their hard work, enthusiasm and for raising an amazing £2,257 for Seaton Hospice at Home”. 

For more information about Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends (charity no: 1146357) and Seaton Hospice at Home visit: www.seatonlof.co.uk