Leeds care home performer vows 'not to give up' on her business in face of Covid-19 pandemic

Carole Laine, 47, of East Ardsley, had to watch helplessly as the business she spent the last 13 years building up came to an abrupt halt with the outbreak of coronavirus.

She set up Cats Pyjamas Productions Ltd in 2007 to bring live performances to residents and staff in care homes all over the UK and employs five members of staff - but when Covid arrived, she said cancellations started coming "thick and fast".

The care home sector has been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, with more than a third of homes in England reporting Covid-19 outbreaks among its highly-vulnerable residents.

Carole told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "When Covid set in, it was pretty early when we knew it was going to hurt business. The first show to be cancelled was March 10 - and then the cancellations started coming thick and fast. It was a very sad time, as I had spent over 12 years building the business, to see everything gone for the foreseeable future.

"Not only was there going to be no money coming in - but I felt sad for the residents who were not going to have any visit from entertainers, friends or families."

Unfortunately, May was also expected to be the company's best month due to the 75th anniversary of VE Day but Carole said they lost "over £5,000 bookings in that month alone".

And the situation has not improved since. Whereas normally the business would have had 250-300 bookings in a three-month period, Carole has only been able to perform five shows - either though outdoor performances or live online.

She said: "But not everyone has the outdoor space or the technical equipment and know-how to be able to accept our offerings. However, the shows that have been performed outside have been really well accepted. The residents - and staff - have been so excited to have some interaction and have gone away with a spring in their step."

As a professional actress and singer, Carole set up Cats Pyjamas Productions when her job lead to her performing a few shows in care homes and she saw "how much people could get out of entertainment".

She said: "I realised even more the importance of music - especially for people living with dementia. It became my passion to tap into the brain and bring back memories that may seem long forgotten.

"People who can't remember what they had for breakfast can sing along to every word of a song. Men who used to be in the military start marching. Ladies who used to be dancers will join you 'on stage' for a waltz.

"It is truly remarkable - and the feeling they get from the show lasts a lot longer than the hour you are performing."

Carole said: "I remain positive and hope that we can come through this. I will not give up on my company. I have spent too much time building a business I believe provides an important service for so many people."

For more information visit https://www.catspyjamasproductions.co.uk/*Welcome back to Leeds is an info hub designed to help guide you safely back to the city centre in the months ahead. welcometoleeds.co.uk #backtoleeds

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Laura Collins