Oh Yes They Did, Fleetwood Hall’s Christmas Pantomime is Another Big Hit
Staff and residents of Fleetwood Hall Care Home turned to Snow White for their annual Christmas panto inspiration and put on their own version – Snow White and the Fleetwood Dwarves.
Lexie Smith, Deputy Manager of the home in Chatsworth Avenue, Fleetwood, wrote the script and the set was ably designed by residents and staff. The home’s Activity Coordinator Felicity Roberts was director, Registered Manager Joanne Warren was wardrobe mistress while Maintenance Operative Dave Sears took on the role of roadie.
The cast of thirteen included a number of staff and four residents – Jean Roberts, 89, who played Sleepy, June Bryant, 75, who was Bashful, 70-year-old John Whittaker as Sneezy and Barbara Anne Walker, 77, who starred as Dopey.
The audience included residents, family members and friends, district nurses and a visiting care home team of two paramedics, a nurse and a care coordinator.
Registered Manager Joanne Warren, who also played the role of Grumpy, said: “It was a fantastic pantomime and everyone was outstanding. I love our annual pantomimes and the residents really enjoy getting involved in the prep work as well as the performance. They all get excited about being in the audience and joining in when required with the typical “oh no he isn’t!” Some even like to shout out funny answers that are not in the script.
“The show was followed by the residents Christmas Party, including music, dancing, a buffet and home made treats made by our brilliant head chef.”
Susan McCormack, Senior Care Practitioner, who played Prince Charming, said: “I loved taking part and playing Prince Charming, it seemed extra special this year. It was great to see residents getting involved and having a good laugh. It’s a lovely way to bring all the residents and staff together, especially this time of year. Moments like these are so special.”
Deputy Manager Lexie Smith, who was also the Evil Queen, said: “Writing the script was hard work, but totally worth it. It took me four hours in total to ensure the home, the town and all the local idioms were included. It went really well and was a lovely bit of Christmas fun.”
Krissie Bates, Care Practitioner and also Snow White, said “What a brilliant thing to be involved in. As long as I make the audience happy, I am happy! I love doing anything for and with the residents, they are all so special to me and my main aim was to make them laugh. Based on the reaction, I think we did quite well!”
Resident James Hay, 77, said: “I wanted to say thank you to all the staff of Fleetwood Hall for making us laugh with a fantastic pantomime. It was great to sit front row and watch all the comedy unfold between the staff and residents.”
Fellow resident Barbara Ann Walker, said: “I really enjoyed being part of the cast and I think we all put on a good performance. We kept losing where we were up to and our lines, but that made it so much funnier.”
Narrator Felicity Roberts, the home’s Activities Coordinator, said: “We really love our pantomimes at Fleetwood Hall. Working all together to put on a performance like this builds great bonds between staff and residents and also gives the residents the opportunity to sit and chat with other residents they may not otherwise socialise with. It creates a good sense of togetherness and long may it continue.
