91-year-old Poole resident reunites with singing passion

A Poole care home has surprised a former opera singer with a very special birthday experience.

Zara Taken, who lives at Care UK’s The Potteries on York Road in Broadstone, performed in musical dramas across the country in her younger days.

She began singing opera in her early 20s with Opera del Mar on Brownsea Island, as well as The Regent in Christchurch and Lighthouse in Poole.

Zara also starred in Madama Butterfly at Bournemouth Winter Gardens before it was demolished, so when the care home team heard Puccini’s masterpiece was going to be performed locally around her 91st birthday, they set to work to organise a surprise trip.

On arrival at the Pavilion Theatre, Zara celebrated with a glass of prosecco as she found her seat to watch one of her favourite operas.

After the show, the staff at the theatre surprised Zara with a floral arrangement and a special meeting of the cast, where she reminisced about her past performance.

Zara said: “Having played the part of Madama Butterfly myself, it brought back wonderful memories of that time. It was a magical evening, and the lady who played Madama Butterfly was exquisite, and the performance was simply perfect. 

Steve Turner, Director of Venues at BH Live, added: “We were delighted to help make Zara’s birthday celebration at Bournemouth Pavilion so special. Creating meaningful moments like this is at the heart of what live theatre can offer.

“We’re grateful to the production’s cast and crew from Ellen Kent Opera International company featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, who also generously supported this occasion. It was a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

Zara’s trip to the opera was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to lead fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant. 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “Zara often speaks of her time singing opera in front of huge crowds so when her birthday came around, we knew we had to take her back to the stage. The team wasted no time making this wish come true. 

“Here at The Potteries, we understand the importance of keeping residents’ passions alive. Seeing Zara have such a fantastic time enjoying the performance reiterates how important our Wishing Tree initiative is in helping residents live rewarding lives.

“We’d like to thank Bournemouth Pavilion, Ellen Kent Opera & Ballet International and Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv for helping us make Zara’s dream a reality – it was truly a day to remember!”

The Potteries has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to lead active lives, with the home featuring its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and bar. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite and care, and is proud to be able to offer a ‘home for life’ if an individual’s needs change over time.