CARE home residents have taken to the stage to perform their own versions of classic musicals.

Residents at Colten Care homes in Dorset have been treading the boards in musicals including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and Calamity Jane to bring some fun and laughter to everyone in the homes.

The amateur productions have seen residents and staff make props, learn lines and play character roles, all of which went down a treat at Castle View in Poundbury and Canford Chase in Poole.

Castle View residents Jill Kember, George Clarke and Enid Deakin were delighted with a series of performances, including Calamity Jane, which featured a member of staff dressed as a horse, The Sound of Music which saw several actors don nun costumes, and there were chimney brushes all round in Mary Poppins.

Jill said: "It was so wonderful and creative. Everyone enjoyed themselves - I know I certainly did."

George said: "It is remarkable how much talent was on show, and so entertaining."

Dorset Echo: Spelling out Mary Poppins’ signature message at Canford Chase Picture: Deep South MediaSpelling out Mary Poppins’ signature message at Canford Chase Picture: Deep South Media

Enid was impressed by the stamina of the actors. She said: "They all had so much energy, I don't know how they do it to keep going like that. I really enjoyed it."

Over at Canford Chase, residents were delighted by a performance of Mary Poppins. After watching the rehearsals and the final product, Joan Kraszenen said: "It was just lovely, practically perfect. I laughed so much."

The initiative was coordinated and led by Colten Care's music and arts partner Fiona Pritchard, with the help of some colleagues.

She said: "It was wonderful to see residents and staff come together and have a great time on a whirlwind trip through the musicals.

Dorset Echo: Performing Calamity Jane at Castle View in Poundbury Picture: Deep South MediaPerforming Calamity Jane at Castle View in Poundbury Picture: Deep South Media

"Putting on favourite shows is all about enabling our residents to continue doing and enjoying the activities they love. A great deal of preparation went in to make it all happen, including prop-making and learning scripts, but, as Mary Poppins would say: "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun", and we certainly found it."

For more information about Colten Care homes, visit www.coltencare.co.uk/