“Oh no, he isn’t!”

“Oh yes, he is!”

If you happened to see the recent Charlton Panto Players’ production of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, you might have spotted a familiar face treading the boards. Our very own Sam Colby Butcher, one of our financial planners, unexpectedly found himself part of the cast, along with his eight-year-old daughter, Isla.

Now we know that Sam likes to keep busy and is a great advocate of achieving a positive work/life balance. But with his role at Fortitude, up-coming exams and family life already filling his time, you’d think signing up for a local panto might be a step too far. However, it seems he more than rose to the challenge.

He’s behind you!

It all started when a friend suggested his daughter Isla, who is a natural when it comes to singing and dancing, should audition for the Charlton village panto. It’s a much-loved biennial event that as well as being great fun for all involved, is a valuable fundraiser to keep the village hall going. Knowing she’d love it, Sam was more than happy to take Isla along.

While waiting patiently outside, a member of the panto committee approached Sam, asking, “Why don’t you join in too?” His initial response was, “Absolutely not, I’ve already got far too much on.” But after giving it a bit more thought, Sam decided it would be fun. Rehearsals and performances have taken up a fair amount of his time, but Sam says he’s enjoyed every minute. And more than that, he’s glad he didn’t miss the opportunity to star in the panto with his young daughter – as he rightly says, you can’t put a price on a memory like that.

A resounding success

Sam, Isla and the rest of the cast and crew put on five performances during a very hectic week in February, selling out every show. And it was a real team effort, with the whole village coming together to build the stage, create scenery and get involved in costumes and makeup. Sam played Willy, the Dame’s son, and got to appear in a few scenes with his daughter – but the really special moment for this proud dad was her solo rendition of ‘My Favourite Things’ from the Sound of Music which opened the show. The Fortitude team were all there to lend their support, bring their enthusiasm and contribute to the incredible £3,000 which the production raised. And will he be doing it all again in two years’ time? “Oh, yes I will” says Sam in true panto style!

Life’s not a dress rehearsal

Now the pantomime is over, Sam’s not going to be twiddling his thumbs for long. As well as investing most of his time helping clients plan for the future they want, he’s busy project managing the renovation of the Colby Butcher family home and studying hard for his next exam in October, bringing him one step closer to achieving Chartered status. He admits he’s lucky to be able to blend his work commitments with all the other things he wants to do ­– not everyone manages to achieve this kind of work/life balance.

Maybe it’s time for us all to take a leaf out of Sam’s book? If you need a little bit of help or advice to plan for the future and achieve a better work/life balance, give us a call.