Memories Revived for Stanley, 90, as Theatre Troupe Visit Care Home

HAPPY hours spent treading the boards were re-lived when a professional theatre company brought their panto to a New Forest care home.

Stanley Crowe, 90, a resident at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst played the part of Widow Twankey many times in amateur dramatic productions.

“Wonderful. I absolutely loved it,” said Stanley after joining fellow residents, staff and relatives to watch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood, staged in the home’s lounge.

The three-strong troupe, from the London-based Carousel Theatre Company, are visiting three Colten Care homes including Woodpeckers.

Court Lodge in Lymington and Canford Chase in Branksome, Poole, are also lined up for the one-hour production which is packed full of jokes, songs and banter.

Janie Pearman, Home Manager, said: “As someone who enjoys nothing better than slapping on the greasepaint and performing, I know more than anyone else the happiness that shows such as this bring.

“Our residents loved this production by Carousel Theatre and the fact that Stanley had himself spent many hours treading the boards as Widow Twankey made the whole occasion even more special.”