A Day at the Theatre for Wallacetown Gardens
Residents from Wallacetown Gardens recently enjoyed a day out in Glasgow, combining lunch at a contemporary Scottish restaurant with a live ballet performance of The Snow Queen.
The trip followed a successful visit late last year to a ballet performance at Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre. After that outing, it became clear through everyday conversations that several residents were keen to experience another live performance. These regular check-ins are part of daily life at Wallacetown Gardens and play an important role in helping staff get to know residents, understand their interests and plan meaningful activities around them.
It wasn’t long before staff discovered that The Snow Queen was running for a limited time at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal. From there, residents and staff worked together to plan a full day in the city, including a shopping trip ahead of the main event. One resident had also shared a particular interest in traditional Scottish food, so lunch was booked at Ardnamurchan – Scottish Restaurant & Bar, chosen specifically to reflect that preference.
On the day, residents travelled together to Glasgow and enjoyed a relaxed two-course lunch, with haggis, neeps and tatties followed by sticky toffee pudding. The meal was clearly enjoyed by all and provided the perfect stop-off before heading to the theatre for the main performance.
The group then attended The Snow Queen, a ballet inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale. The production moves from lively winter scenes to the striking setting of an icy palace, telling a story of friendship and adventure through expressive choreography, detailed costumes and live music. For residents who had not previously seen a live ballet, it offered a new and engaging cultural experience.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, staff included and highlighted how residents’ interests can shape meaningful experiences when they are listened to and acted upon. From the initial conversations, to planning the details of the day and enjoying the experience together, the trip showed how ideas shared by residents can quickly become well-thought-out, enjoyable activities.
Trips like this are a regular part of life at Wallacetown Gardens and reflect the wider approach across Enhance Healthcare. Residents are encouraged and supported to remain active, involved and connected to the world around them, with opportunities to explore interests, try new experiences and enjoy everyday life beyond the home. By placing residents at the centre of everything we do, listening to their voices and responding to what matters, the team help create a home where no two days are the same, and where both residents and staff can enjoy meaningful, well-planned experiences together.
