Resident Michael Attending the Theatre

Michael moved from Scotland to retire in Cavan, Ireland.  He came to Castlemanor Nursing home around a year ago and as part of our activities program all residents decided they would like a theatre trip.  They went to see ‘Ages and Stages’ in November a theatre performance put on by Cavan age friendly programme where older people joined together to help write, act and deliver a one act play performed for the local community.  Cavan Older People’s Council has worked closely with an experienced theatre practitioner through a series of creative workshops to write and direct this new piece of Theatre.  Our activity coordinator noted that in the theatre a lot of people knew Michael and commented he was very popular in the venue, to which he explained that after retiring to Ireland he worked in the theatre for another 15-20 years.  Mary the activity coordinator said he enjoyed it so much she went straight back to book another play for Michael to go see.  She happened to book the play ‘Superbogger’ by the award-winning write Clare Monnelly.  It was a one-man whirlwind performance, featuring award-winning actor Aaron Monaghan a hilarious origin-story of Ireland’s first superhero, and a provocative deep dive into the fragmented mind of a modern Irish parent.  Mary didn’t know at the time but Aaron and Michael had actually worked together when Aaron was younger in the theatre.  Michael mentioned this to Mary and said he would have to sneak backstage to see him.  Without a second thought he still remembered all the ins and outs of the theatre to get backstage and meet Aaron.  To his delighted Aaron knew exactly who he was also and they had a lovely moment reminiscing over the fond memories they both had having not seen each other in years.