THEY may not be the next Leona Lewis or JLS, but a group of care home residents are out to prove you're never too old to have talent – by competing in an X-Factor style competition.
Even judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh – or at least managers sporting their masks – will be there to pass judgement on the elderly performers at Marionville Court tonight. As well as the home's answers to Abba, the No
lan Sisters and the Beach Boys, there will be comedians and drag acts to liven up the evening.
Care home manager Elaine Heath said Marionville's Got Talent was the brainchild of the residents themselves, who were looking for an innovative way to celebrate the home's second birthday.
Ms Heath, who is also one of the talent show judges, said: "With the X-Factor back on TV, some of the residents have been watching it and saying they could do better so we decided to just go for it and host our own talent night.
"We've got about 20 acts performing, with a variety of residents and some staff members.
"I think the judges will be very sympathetic towards the residents but will be booing the staff.
"I've been told I have to be Simon Cowell, which I'm happy about, though I might just become him."
She added: "It's important for older people to take part in activities which keep them healthy both mentally and physically.
"It will be a great day for everyone and I'm looking forward to sitting on the judging panel."
Residents taking part in the talent show range from people who are highly dependent on staff for everything to members of the male unit, called Beech House, who will be dressing up in Hawaiian shirts and grabbing their blow-up guitars to perform as The Beech Boys.
Audience members – consisting of residents, their families and staff members – will get the chance to vote for their favourites, with prizes and certificates being handed out to the top three acts.
Residents at Marionville, which was built two years ago, are no strangers to getting involved in fun activities after taking part in a tennis competition on the Nintendo Wii earlier this year in the run up to Wimbledon.
Councillor Norman Work, vice-convener of health and social care at the council, said: "Developing these types of social activities is a great way of keeping older people active. We are committed to changing and developing the services we provide in our care homes to benefit residents.
"I'm looking forward to the talent show as I'm sure there will be some great acts on offer."
Tomorrow's birthday celebrations will kick off with a party and will be followed by the talent contest and a fireworks display.
