Performance Troupe Celebrates Platinum Jubilee with Care Home Visits

As part of Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund, our fantastic Performance Troupe visited care homes to help celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Using song, drama and dance, the Performance Troupe entertained care home residents, including those with dementia. 

Performing to music that spans over the past 70 years, songs included Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’, Doris Day’s ‘Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)’ and ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from the musical South Pacific. The care homes visited throughout the month of June were Summerdale Court in Newham, Chestnut Manor Care Home in Wanstead, Beaumont Court Care Home in Stepney Green and Acorn Lodge in Hackney. 

The Performance Troupe is made up of talented students aged between 11-18 years old. And, it is the face of the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School and its charitable arm the Fiorentini Foundation. The Performance Troupe aims to spread joy through song and dance. In the past, it has performed in local hospitals, care homes and a variety of community and corporate events.

Anna Fiorentini, founder and principal of the Theatre & Film School said:

“To celebrate a special moment in history, I wanted to entertain care home residents and those with dementia; taking them back to the time of the Coronation in 1952. I understand first-hand the importance of providing people in care homes with emotional engagement and mental stimulation, especially as Covid-19 created such an isolating experience for these residents.  Unfortunately, my mother, who was diagnosed with dementia and living in a care home, passed away last year. And that is what inspired me to apply to the Arts Council for this project. It was particularly moving to be able to perform at my mother’s care home, in memory of her. It’s been very rewarding to see a meeting of generations and my vision for the Performance Troupe realised through this project.”

And here are a couple of glowing reviews from the audience:

“The residents are still talking about the performance and how amazing it was, they thoroughly enjoyed it. One resident has said how wonderful it is to see this young group know the old songs.”  – The Home Administrator for Summerdale Court

“Thank you to the Performance Troupe for bringing new life to our care home. It’s like the new generation meeting the older one. Great songs were performed which made the residents sing along. You can see the smiles all over their faces, it made their day.” – Ionel, a member of the Care Staff at Acorn Lodge

“I found the performance by the young students very refreshing and I could see how much talent was there for their future.” – Joyce, a resident of Chestnut Lodge

Watch a video of some of the fantastic performances below:

So if you’d like performance opportunities like this, you can sign up for our next workshop audition here. Or if you’re looking for drama, singing, or dance classes in London, you can join our school next term. We have branches in Hackney, Docklands, Camden and Greenwich. For more information and to sign up for a taster day, click here.