Retirement communities' staff steal the show in festive panto

Oh yes they did! Retirement communities staff take centre stage for festive panto fun.

Residents and staff at two Sanctuary Supported Living retirement communities, Dunboyne Court in Torquay and Whitley Court in Paignton, came together to spread festive joy with an original pantomime, “Smoochy and the Beast”. 

The production, an original and creative twist on the much-loved classic “Beauty and the Beast,” featured lively performances and well-known songs that encouraged audience participation, creating a truly interactive experience for residents.

The two performances took place last month at Dunboyne Court and Whitley Court, captivating residents and their families with their humour, heartwarming story, and festive flair.

To make the show go off with a bang, staff from Dunboyne Court and Whitley Court worked together both onstage and behind the scenes, including writing, set design, creating costumes, and, of course, performing on the big day. 

Residents from both retirement communities also supported by creating props, in a display of true community spirit from everyone involved. 

Their hard work and enthusiasm were met with resounding praise from the audience at Dunboyne Court, who were thrilled to sing along and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere.

Following the success of the initial performances, plans are already underway to take Smoochy and the Beast on tour to another Sanctuary Supported Living retirement community, Moreton Court in Bideford, in the new year, ensuring that even more residents can enjoy the festive magic.

Di Pooley, Area Service Manager, shared her gratitude and admiration for the teams involved: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped bring “Smoochy and the Beast” to life. From the initial idea to the final performance, the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our staff have been truly inspiring. 

“Everyone was so excited to watch—on the day, we had a full house! It was an experience I will never forget, with so many residents and their loved ones laughing, cheering, singing, and joining in with the cast. It was wonderful to see the joy that it brought to residents, and I’m so proud of everyone for making it such a special and festive experience.”

Dunboyne Court and Whitley Court provide apartments with onsite support and amenities for people aged over 55, or those with long-term care needs. 

Sanctuary Supported Living also provides accommodation with personalised support for homeless young people and adults, people with learning or physical disabilities, and people with mental health needs.