Entertainer gets care home residents singing and dancing

ENTERTAINER Keeley May’s cabaret show has been a hit with elderly care home residents across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

The professional singer has performed at Springbank House Care Home, in Chesterfield, and The Laurels and The Limes Care Home, in Sheffield, among others.

Her soaring vocals and inclusive routine have seen residents joining in with classics from the 40s through to the 90s, including hits from the movies and musicals.

Among the favourites are “Supercalifragilistic” from Mary Poppins, “Que Sera Sera” by Doris Day and “I am the Music Man” by Black Lace.

Keeley also dresses in costume for the performances, which helps residents, even those with dementia, remember her.

The songs themselves also benefit those living with dementia, as they singalong and dance, despite many having difficulty communicating.

Keeley said: “I have always loved the older generation, after spending a lot of time with my 89-year-old gran, so for me being able to sing for them is an added bonus.

“I love the fact that I can bring a cabaret performance to people who wouldn’t normally get out and make them feel excited by it and give them something to talk about for days later.

“I prefer doing care home shows to singing in hotels, pubs and clubs because, although I don’t get the big round of applause that I may do in the other places, I get the look of happiness on the residents’ faces.

“Residents with dementia, who don’t normally communicate, suddenly start singing and come to life. For me that is such an honour, to do that by doing something I love.”

Karen Busby, home manager at Springbank House Care Home, said: “Keeley May is a fabulous singer with a repertoire the residents really enjoy, as the songs bring back so many memories.

“Alongside her great performances, she is fantastic with the residents, getting them involved with a singalong or dance and really putting on a show to remember.

“The residents talked about her performance for days afterwards and we can’t wait to get her back in again.”