A grand entrance! Birmingham care home residents make their theatre debut at The Rep

Residents at an Edgbaston care home proved you’re never too old to start a new career after making their theatre debut at one of Birmingham’s most popular theatres. 

Throughout the summer, residents from Care UK’s Edgbaston Manor, on Speedwell Road, have been rehearsing with Sense Arts, a national charity which supports people living with health difficulties to experience sports and the arts. 

The culmination of the projection was the creation of a special ‘screen dance’ film, which was premiered at The Rep’s The Door Theatre in September, which residents and team members attended.

The film, titled ‘Moving Portraits’ formed part of the National Inclusive Dance Programme and was created to celebrate the Commonwealth Games taking place in the region. In the film, residents from Edgbaston shared their favourite memories of Birmingham through movement and storytelling. 

Commenting on featuring in the film, resident George said: “Everyone had an amazing time. I felt like a star watching me and other residents dancing on this big screen in a theatre. It made me very happy because I could see that others in the theatre were smiling at my dancing. To know that I could make people smile like that, it made my day!” 

Zoe Steventon, General Manager at Edgbaston Manor, added: “Like any international event, this year’s Commonwealth Games showcased our undisputed national – and regional – pride! With the games taking place so close to Edgbaston Manor, we knew we had to create a memorable experience for the residents and were delighted to be able to work with The Rep and Sense Arts.

“At Edgbaston Manor, we regularly encourage residents to take part in therapeutic and artistic activities which promote positive wellbeing – and nothing is more artistic than the theatre! The residents loved taking part in the film and revisiting their favourite childhood memories from growing up in the city. It was wonderful to see their faces light up as they watched themselves make their acting debut on the main stage. 

“The whole team look forward to learning more about the wonderful experiences the residents have enjoyed throughout their lives here in Birmingham and creating imaginative activities that build on their talents. Next stop – Hollywood!” 

Edgbaston Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation. 

For more information on Edgbaston Manor, please call Home Admissions Advisor, Natasha Hines on 0121 314 9908, or email Natasha.Hines@careuk.com.