Going ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ This Christmas

We followed the yellow brick road this festive season by devising and performing our very own production of The Wizard of Oz.

With our residents unable to go to the theatre, as usual, this Christmas, we decided to bring the theatre to Bramley Court!

The cast included resident Dr Graham Petrie (89) in the lead role as the Wizard, starring alongside carer (and classically trained musician) Alice Paine as Dorothy. Other roles were filled by residents and team members with the live performance taking place on 9th December 2020, after months of careful planning and preparation.

Home manager Lisa Houghton said: “Our residents love the songs from the Wizard of Oz and often sing them around the piano together so, we felt it was a fitting choice this year with its rainbow theme. Music and arts are very important in our home and very good for well-being.  It’s been a really absorbing project for the residents, with many involved in performing and others enthusiastically making props for the show.”

The performance ended with resident Dorothy (85) dueting ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ with Alice Paine. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!  As our families are such a huge part of life here at Bramley Court, the production was recorded for friends and families to enjoy. You can watch it here.