Victorian troupe visits care home

A Whitby care home, Peregrine House, was transported back in time to 1864 with the visit of a Victorian travelling theatre troupe.

The Penny Plain Theatre Company travelled from Grassington, near Skipton to play for the residents at the end of their winter tour on Twelfth Night, Sunday 5^th January.

Dressed as a rabble of down and out nineteenth century characters, the company presented some of the old customs of a traditional English Christmas, including a selection of old, lesser known carols, a wassail song, two dances, a comedic nativity scene and a Mummers play.

104 year old Joy Ash was one of many residents who enjoyed singing along with some of the songs and the traditional Mummers play line “Is there a doctor? Ten pounds for a doctor” caused great amusement as many people urged Peregrine House owner Dr. Kevin O Sullivan forward.  Care worker Lyndsey Parkinson was brought into the show to play Mary in the nativity.

Before and after their performance, the cast mingled with the residents, enjoying a meal with them and chatting about the show which had brought back memories for some. 

Mark Bamforth who headed the troupe as ‘Malvolio Hardcastle’ said “The Peregrine House residents and their visiting family were a lovely audience and it was a pleasure to finish our tour performing in such a clearly happy environment where we were made very welcome and met some lovely people.”

The company’s visit formed part of the ongoing varied programme of entertainment provided for the residents of Peregrine House alongside their regular outings.