Wouldn’t It Be Loverly: former Eliza Doolittle, Diana, returns to theatre

A resident at Brook View care home has been reunited with her theatrical past thanks to a visit arranged by Colten Care to see My Fair Lady — the very show in which she once performed more than four decades ago.

Diana, a long-standing member of the Poole and Parkstone Productions, was understudy to Eliza Doolittle at the Bournemouth Pavilion in 1977. For 40 years, she and her late husband Len were both active members of the amateur company, with Diana performing on stage and Len supporting behind the scenes.

On World Theatre Day earlier this year, Diana stepped into the spotlight once again, playing Eliza Doolittle in a spirited rendition by the resident choir — the Silver Brook Choir at Brook View. The performance proved to be a moving and memorable moment, not only for Diana but for her fellow residents and staff.

Inspired by her passion for the stage, Companion Elizabeth Carpagnano contacted Poole and Parkstone Productions and arranged tickets for a matinee performance of My Fair Lady at the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole on 24 May. Diana was accompanied by her daughters as well as fellow residents and staff for the special outing, which included a chance to meet the cast and reconnect with old friends.

“It was really lovely to go to the theatre to see My Fair Lady performed by my old amateur musical company,” Diana said. “It was so nice to meet the two principals afterwards who played Eliza and Professor Higgins. I also saw a lot of my old friends from the company who used to be on stage with me. They recognised me and were pleased to have a chat. I very much enjoyed the show.”

Diana’s daughters shared with staff how the Silver Brook Choir has been a source of comfort and joy for their mother, particularly since the loss of her husband. The prospect of returning to the theatre had clearly lifted her spirits in recent weeks.

“Diana has been smiling ever since she returned,” said Elizabeth. “She’s been speaking to everyone in the home about the experience. It’s been a true joy to help her reconnect with something that means so much.”

The day concluded with a relaxed tea, rounding off what was a moving and memorable return to the world of musical theatre for one of Brook View’s most cherished performers.