A LOVELY virtual performance featuring songs from musicals of the 1940s and 50s has been created to lift the spirits of those in care homes and people who are self-isolating.

The 20-minute long video includes much-loved songs like Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, from the Wizard of Oz; I Could Have Danced all Night from My Fair Lady; Getting to Know You from The King & I and Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ from Oklahoma!

The idea was created by performer Susie Garvey-Williams, founder and owner of Classic Susie, and Ben Driver, found and owner of BendRiverMedia.

They are housemates and have been living in the same house during lockdown. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, all of their creative work has been postponed or cancelled.

Susie said: “One of the focuses of Classic Susie is to provide entertainment for care homes.

“We came up with the idea of creating a virtual performance for care homes as no artists are allowed in to entertain residents with live performances at the moment.

“We felt that music and entertainment is vital to keep people’s spirits up especially whilst so many residents are separated from their loved ones and can’t have their usual visitors.

“The hope was to bring a little joy to those most lonely at this time.”

The pair successfully applied to Bradford Council for a share of its RESPONSE funding, which is aimed at helping people engage with arts and culture through the pandemic and recognising it as essential for health and wellbeing.

Susie said they chose popular and hope-filled songs from musicals and the video includes subtitles so residents can sing along.

She added: “We have temporarily converted a bedroom into a recording studio - we wanted it to be obvious that we were in our own home, showing we are also in lockdown and ‘we’re all in this together’. We collaborated with a local pianist, Hilary Kemp, from Hilary Kemp Music, who recorded us backing tracks from her home. The Q20 Theatre in Shipley, provided authentic costumes.”

And as not everyone has access to the internet, they want the performance to be as inclusive as possible. They have arranged for DVDs to be created and delivered on request within Bradford for £2.50 to cover costs.

Email enquiries@classicsusie.com to request a DVD. The video can be found on YouTube through the Bradford Council channel. They also created a special VE Day performance, which includes classic sing-along wartime songs, and can also be found through the Council channel.