Kindness comes full circle at Burnham Court in Malmesbury

The Athelstan Players performed their comedy The Big Time <i>(Image: Burnham Court)</i>
The Athelstan Players performed their comedy The Big Time (Image: Burnham Court)
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Laughter and live theatre lit up the evening for older residents.

A special performance by a local drama group brought laughter and entertainment to residents at Abbeyfield Living Society’s Burnham Court in Malmesbury.

The Athelstan Players performed their comedy The Big Time, a farce about two inept criminals whose kidnapping plan goes hilariously awry, to an audience of 25 residents who enjoyed an evening of light-hearted fun.

One resident simply said: "The show was good and very funny."

The show was the result of a generous gesture by Burnham Court, which offered the theatre group free rehearsal space last year when their usual venue was unavailable.

Gil Anies, manager at Burnham Court, said: "We are always keen to open our doors to the local community.

"It’s been wonderful for our residents to see that kindness come full circle with such an entertaining evening."

The Athelstan Players were keen to give something back in return for the support.

Tracy Bridgeman, director of the play, said: "We were incredibly grateful to Burnham Court for supporting us.

"Putting on this performance was our way of saying thank you – and the audience reaction made it all worthwhile."

Residents were treated to drinks and popcorn during the show, and also helped raise funds for future activities.

Burnham Court is part of the national Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), a not-for-profit organisation providing sheltered housing, care homes, and independent living options for older people across England.

The event formed part of ALS’s 70th-anniversary celebrations.

Mr Anies expressed his appreciation to the actors on the night.

He presented the Athelstan Players with a special plaque of thanks following their performance.

The Athelstan Players will perform The Big Time again in Malmesbury at St Mary’s Hall on May 1, 2, 8 and 9.

Tickets are available through their website at www.athelstanplayers.org.

Abbeyfield Living Society was established in 1956 and provides housing, care and support to older people across England.

The organisation is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with a range of special events across its services.

Residents at Burnham Court were delighted with the chance to enjoy live theatre on their doorstep.

The evening, filled with laughter, community spirit, and appreciation, was a testament to the impact of small acts of kindness and the value of creative partnerships between organisations and their surrounding communities.

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