A unique and unforgettable event took place at a care home in Middlesbrough this week, where a male stripper brought joy and laughter to the residents by replacing their usual “knit and natter” session with a lively striptease performance. Max Hunter, a former care home manager turned stripper, took center stage at the Astune Rise care home, leaving the elderly residents in stitches and creating memories that will likely be talked about for a long time. The event was met with enthusiasm and excitement, showcasing the power of unconventional activities to uplift spirits and bring people together.
The idea for the striptease was initially proposed by Max Hunter, who has a background in care home management before transitioning to his current career as a performer. Recognizing the importance of bringing joy to the elderly, he decided to offer the residents a special show. Caroline Bowstead, the manager of Astune Rise care home, shared that she discussed the idea with the residents, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. “I spoke to the gang here, and the ladies said a resounding ‘yes please,'” she revealed. The residents’ eagerness to participate in something new and entertaining was evident, and the event quickly became the talk of the home.
The performance itself was nothing short of spectacular, with Max Hunter gyrating and stripping down to his underwear as the residents watched with delight. The care home’s living room was transformed for the occasion, adorned with red shimmer curtains, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The residents actively participated, twirling pants and props as Max danced, thoroughly enjoying every moment. The energy in the room was electric, with laughter and applause filling the air. One of the residents, 87-year-old Anne Hodgson, praised Max’s performance, saying, “He has a nice body, nice and athletic, and everything he did was lovely.” Another resident, Betty Hughes, couldn’t help but add, “I loved his backside.” The lighthearted and playful nature of the event brought smiles to everyone’s faces, creating a beautiful and heartwarming experience.
The success of the event was evident not only in the residents’ reactions but also in their eagerness to have Max return. They have already expressed interest in having him perform again at next week’s “knit and natter” session. This enthusiasm highlights the positive impact of the performance on the residents, who clearly found it to be a refreshing and enjoyable change of pace from their usual activities. The care home staff, too, were thrilled with how the event turned out, describing it as one of the most engaging and lively gatherings they had hosted in a long time.
Max Hunter, who has a background in entertaining elderly residents, expressed his joy in being able to bring happiness to the care home community once again. “I used to run entertainment at retirement villages, so it’s an absolute privilege to be back in a care home again, putting a smile on residents’ faces,” he shared. His ability to connect with the audience and create a sense of camaraderie was evident throughout the performance. Alice Woods, who manages the Dreamboys strip show that Max is a part of, also commented on the event’s success, saying, “The reaction was absolutely wild. We had a bit of underwear thrown and a lot of laughs.” The energy and enthusiasm of the performance were undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
The event at Astune Rise care home serves as a reminder of the importance of providing elderly residents with engaging and meaningful activities that go beyond the ordinary. By offering something as unique and fun as a striptease performance, the care home was able to create a memorable experience that brought joy and laughter to its residents. The success of this event also underscores the value of tapping into the interests and preferences of elderly individuals, ensuring that they feel valued and entertained. As Max Hunter and the team at Dreamboys continue to bring their performances to care homes, they are helping to create a sense of community and happiness that is truly invaluable.
