Oh Yes It is! Residents Declare Care Home Panto a Real ‘Beauty’

Panto season has continued in full swing at a Dorset dementia care home with residents and staff staging their own version of Beauty and the Beast.

Weeks of prop making, rehearsals and sourcing costumes culminated in Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham laying on a much-enjoyed performance of the famous fairy tale.

The fun involved staff members from various departments, including housekeepers, nurses, carers and companions, all dressing up and taking on characters. Students from Canford School in Wimborne, on work experience at the home, also took part.

Braving the role of the beast was Jess Sears Dawson from the Housekeeping team while Healthcare Assistant Mirren Lloyd starred as Beauty.

After the show, performed in the home’s spacious lounge, performers and audience members declared it a success.

Resident and performer Patrick Ryan, who played Clock, said: “Everybody had a great time on the day and really enjoyed the show.

Fellow resident Doris Smith said: “I had so much fun seeing the beautiful colours of the costumes and the props made and listening to the musical and comedy side of it.”

Ann Marie Knight from Fernhill’s Companionship Team said:
“It was great to see colleagues from different departments all contributing and taking part.

“For our residents and staff, the show prompted smiles and laughter all round. Everyone is still buzzing about it.”

Fernhill is one of six Colten Care homes to be officially rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.