At Isis House, we love nothing more than making our residents’ dreams come true. As part of our Resident Wishes initiative, residents share something they’ve always wanted to do by writing their wish on a star — and our team sets about making those wishes a reality.

For Maureen O’Sullivan (84), her wish was simple but deeply special — to go to the theatre again. Maureen shared how much she used to love getting dressed up and feeling the buzz of the theatre and cinema, both of which had been an important part of her life.
Maureen first joined Isis House for respite care, later returning for end-of-life care. However, she made a remarkable recovery and has since become a much-loved permanent resident on our nursing household for the past 18 months.

Drama and creativity are close to the hearts of everyone at Isis House. Rachel, one of our talented Activity Coordinators, runs regular theatre workshops with our residents. We’ve also built a wonderful relationship with The Dot Collective, a London-based theatre group who regularly visit the home to run combined workshops. Through The Dot Collective, we were introduced to the team at The Oxford Playhouse — and that’s where Maureen’s wish came true.

Thanks to Beth Sedgwick, Community Programme Manager at The Oxford Playhouse, Maureen, Rachel, and carer Mel were invited to attend a matinee performance of Jane Austen’s Emma. Beth and her team welcomed them warmly, hosting them in a private room with refreshments before giving them Director’s tickets — right at the front!
Maureen looked absolutely stunning for her special outing, wearing her sparkly top, favourite jewellery, flawless makeup, and beautifully styled hair. As Rachel shared, “She looked amazing — it brought a tear to our eyes.”

Throughout the performance, Maureen was completely mesmerised. “She held our hands and kept saying how lovely it was,” said Rachel. “When she thanked us, she said, ‘You’ve made my dream come true.’”

To show her appreciation, Maureen even asked to stop at a local shop afterwards to buy Mars bars — her favourite treat — to give to Rachel and Mel as a thank you.
As Storm Ben hit Oxford that afternoon, the group made their way home through the wind and rain, laughing with their umbrellas turning inside out. “It honestly felt like something out of Singing in the Rain,” said Rachel. “It was the perfect ending to the most fabulous day.”

Rachel Smith, Activities Coordinator, said:
“This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. It brought back such special memories for Maureen, and I just felt so emotional and happy. Everything we do at Isis House is for our residents, and to make her wish come true — with the help of Beth and the Oxford Playhouse — has been incredible. When Maureen first came to us for end-of-life care, we never thought she’d come this far. Now she’s walking, smiling, and enjoying life to the fullest.”

Beth Sedgwick, Community Programme Manager at Oxford Playhouse, added:
“We were delighted to grant Maureen’s wish to visit The Playhouse to see our visiting production of Emma.”
A massive thank you to The Oxford Playhouse and Beth Sedgwick for their kindness, generosity, and for helping us make dreams come true.

At Isis House, we believe every resident deserves joy, purpose, and magical moments — and Maureen’s day at the theatre was a perfect reminder of the power of a wish.