Residents put on pantomime five months in the making

Aged care residents at Resthaven Port Elliot in South Australia have sewed their own costumes, created the set, and acted and sung in a performance of Snow White.

Performed on 4 and 5 December, the pantomime was five months in the making and supported by the Lifestyle team and volunteers at the site. For some it was their first time ‘treading the boards’, while several other performers had previous stage experience — having been part of the Arts Society at Victor Harbor.

Judith Tann (Supplied).

“It has taken up some time to organise everything, and to have the volunteer support we need to put this together,” Resthaven Port Elliot Manager Louise Banner said. “It has been a very big collaborative process.”

Jess Lathlean and Judith Tann (Supplied).

The idea to put on the pantomime came from one of the residents, with the support of volunteers Matt Delany (who directed the performance), Rose Lewis (who helped sew the costumes), and John Dowling and Jill Warren (who lent their acting skills, stepping into roles as needed) being instrumental.

Moreen Gordge as the Prince (Supplied).

“It was wonderful to witness the fun and enjoyment of the resident actors,” Matt said. “There is a genuine feeling of ownership from the individuals involved. Working on something over so many months, and with multiple components, has been complex and challenging — but we have all had a lot of fun bringing it together.”

Volunteer Jill Warren as the Huntsman (Supplied).

In attendance was Resthaven Port Elliot resident Alf Lear, who watched the performance with his daughter Heather, his great-granddaughter Shannon, and his great-great-grandchildren Deegan and Oakley. “We all enjoyed it very much,” Shannon said.

Cast members

Narrator: Matt Delany

Snow White: Judith Tann

Prince Charming: Mrs Moreen Gordge

Rabbit: Beverley Walker

Evil Queen: Jess Lathlean

Huntsman: Jill Warren

Doc: Ron Cousins

Sleepy: Glenis Hunter

Sneezy: John Dowling/Matt Delany

Grumpy: Brian Harvey

Dopey: Robert Tann

Bashful: Don Brinkworth

Happy: Evelyn Grigg

Top images: Full cast (Supplied).