GENEROUS pantomime audiences have helped Oldbury Rep raise more than £1,600 for two charities.

The annual panto charity collection will this year be divided between the Stroke Association and Edwards Trust after the kind-heartedness of visitors to the recent production of ‘Aladdin’.

Aladdin ran for 10 performances at the Barlow Theatre – the home of Oldbury Rep – bringing a smile to audiences of all ages, with the final performance on Saturday, January 20, playing to a near full capacity.

A spokesman for Oldbury Rep said: “The company is pleased to be able to support both local and national charities throughout the year thanks to the continued generosity of audiences, even in these continuing difficult financial times.”

Edward’s Trust is a West Midlands based charity founded by Peter and Hilary Dent in memory of their son, Edward, who died of cancer when he was only seven years old, offering support to children and families who are facing loss and surviving bereavement.

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors to make the best recovery they can, campaigning for better stroke care and funds research into finding new treatments and ways of preventing strokes.