Care Home Resident Taken Back to Childhood by Magic of Pantomime

The magic of Christmas lasted well into the New Year for Dorset care home resident Joyce Holden, who enjoyed a trip down memory lane courtesy of her local pantomime.

Joyce, a resident of Colten Care specialist dementia home The Aldbury, attended Cinderella at The Lighthouse in Poole.

Joyce grew up in Oldham in Lancashire where her father use to write, direct and also play the Dame in panto.

She said: “My dad’s performances were held at Ashton Road Community Congregational Church and I remember watching rehearsals.

“My dad wore an infamous red wig as the Dame and I used to watch him in wonder.”

Joyce was joined on the trip by fellow resident Jean Hands, Companionship Team Leader Sue Miles and Colten Companion Cara Duroe.

Cara said: “It’s no secret that Joyce adores the theatre and has many happy memories of it growing up, so, when she suggested panto we booked to go straight away.

“The show was packed with traditional pantomime fun and plenty of songs, magic, and laughter. But the two ugly sisters undoubtedly stole the show with their outrageous costumes and jokes.

“Both Joyce and Jean sat transfixed watching the story unfold, laughing, singing, clapping and of course shouting out when prompted.”

Joyce said: “I love seeing all of the different costumes. My favourites were Doris when she was dressed as a beach ball with a seagull in her hair and Nadine dressed as a deckchair with a crab hanging off her!”

Cara continued: “We all agreed that Prince Charming was very dashing and loved how Cinderella’s dress changed ‘magically’ from rags to riches, becoming a beautiful blue ballgown, just by her twirling around.

“Afterwards Joyce was smiling from ear to ear and thanked us for her trip down memory lane.”