Performing Still a Family Affair for Eileen

The performing arts have always been a family affair for Eileen Frith OAM, but the former actress and director wasn’t the only one who was delighted when her great-grandchildren staged a surprise dance performance at Baptistcare Gracehaven Residential Care in Rockingham.

The young cousins – the fifth generation of performers in the family – charmed everyone with their sunny smiles, sparkly costumes and youthful energy.

“I love my great-grandchildren dancing and would have them in every day to dance for us,” said Mrs Frith, who was awarded an OAM in 2003 for her service to the local community and amateur theatre.

The children are all students at the Beverley Margaret School of Dance in East Rockingham, run by Mrs Frith’s daughter Beverley Heckingbottom.

They enjoy performing at Baptistcare Gracehaven, where their great-grandmother has lived since January 2020.

A driving force behind the Rockingham Theatre Company for many years, Mrs Frith discovered her love of the stage when growing up in Lancashire in North West England.

“I discovered my passion for acting during the war. My mother and father both liked to act,” she said. “I loved musicals such as The Sound of Music and The King and I.”

After moving to Australia, Mrs Frith directed numerous local productions, raising funds for her community, including hospitals, sports clubs and groups supporting disadvantaged youth and the homeless, as well spearheading fundraising efforts to build the Rockingham Theatre.

Mrs Frith’s great-grandchildren share her love of the performing arts and dance for her and their new friends at Baptistcare Gracehaven whenever they can.

Baptistcare CEO Russell Bricknell said young people who visited aged care facilities brought energy and joy to residents.

“Baptistcare residential care facilities have a strong sense of ‘home’ and family members are always welcome,” he said. “It’s important that residents have those extra opportunities to connect with their family and friends.”

Find out more about Baptistcare.

Pictured: Cousins (from left to right) Ashton Pettley (8), Georgia Heckingbottom (5), Delilah Pettley (8) and Indie Heckingbottom (13) share a love of the stage with their great-grandmother Eileen Frith OAM.