AROUND 30 people from a care home in Cirencester started off the New Year with sea shanties and swaggering pirates.
An excited group of residents, family members and staff from Bupa's Ashley House Care Home - which is situated in Trafalgar Road, Cirencester - attended a matinee performance of Treasure Island at the Barn Theatre on Wednesday, January 3.
The idea came from the son of resident Beryl who thought it would be a wheelchair-friendly activity that residents of all abilities would be able to enjoy.
Ashley House's activity team agreed and thought a theatre trip would be a great way to bring in the new year and involve residents in more community events.
Some of the residents were even lucky enough to meet the cast after the curtains closed.
Resident Bob Owen, aged 85, said: “The acting, singing and music was all great - they should be on stage in London!”
Isabel, who attended with her mum Pat, said: “It was a great experience and no mean feat for the care home to successfully manage a trip for 27 people.
"Amazing work from the Ashley House team, as always.
"It was lovely to see residents engaged, laughing and clapping along.”
Annie Ruddick, the care home’s dedicated resident experience manager, said: “The cast were so good and it was very well directed.
"The singing, sound effects, costumes, array of instruments the cast played, and humour were all fantastic.
"I honestly couldn’t fault it!
"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and are keen to return to Barn Theatre, so we will do our best to make this a regular activity for our residents.”
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