Calamity Jane entertains elderly at Billingham Forum

THE WILD West was the scene of a day trip for Mandale House Care Home residents – with shoot-outs, saloons and stand-offs.

They went to see Calamity Jane the musical at Billingham Forum, starring the local singer and entertainer Samantha Holden.

Samantha is a favourite at the care home, in Thornaby, having visited several times to perform classic songs for the residents.

They were delighted to see her on stage, delivering a stellar performance as one of the Wild West era’s most famous characters.

The musical is based on frontierswoman Calamity Jane, alongside other well-known figures such as Wild Bill Hickok.

It follows a plot originally adapted from the 1953 Warner Brothers movie musical starring Doris Day and features many of the same songs.

The elderly residents recalled many of the numbers and enjoyed singing along during the show.

One of eight residents to attend, Pat Newton said: “They don’t make them like that anymore. What a wonderful show.”

Her daughter, Pat Iceton, added: “Mum has a better social life since she came to live at Mandale House than she ever had before. She thoroughly enjoyed the show.”

Louise Hawksby, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, said: “The residents love a good show, like the rest of us, so we were delighted to be able to take them to see Calamity Jane.

“Many of them remembered songs from the classic 50s movie, so they had a great time singing along with the stars on stage.

“Everyone is looking forward to the next one.”