AN AVID theatre-goer returned to see the curtain go up to watch her first live show since the start of the pandemic.
Beatrice Carpenter saw a matinee performance of ‘Malcolm Stent in The Afternoon’ at The Core thanks to Ardenlea Court Bupa Care Home in Solihull, where Beatrice lives,
The 90-year-old said: “It was brilliant to be back at the theatre. I had a lovely afternoon and enjoyed both the welcoming atmosphere and the silly and gentle humour of Malcolm Stent.
“I have been to see him before with my husband and even met him before a show once too, so his stories took me back, made me smile and sparked a lot of happy memories of past theatre visits.”
Beatrice has been a theatre-goer for a long time, first visiting Birmingham theatres as a child and then subsequently enjoying theatre trips with her husband.
As a couple, they frequented their local theatre, watching a wide range of shows, including pantomimes, musicals and comedy productions.
With her husband since having passed away, the recent theatre trip served as a chance to rekindle her love and passion for live performance and reminisce about past experiences.
Beatrice added: “Going to the theatre is one of my favourite things and I think more people should go – as long as there is always space for me too.
“The atmosphere of live theatre is what I enjoy most.
“The magic when those curtains open is unrivalled.
“And you can tell that the performers really love what they do.
“Even when it is an amateur production, the quality is just as high because the performers really connect with the audience, making you feel as if you’ve known them for years.”
