Arts, Events & Entertainment, Poole | Posted on May 19th, 2026 | return to news

Former opera star and Poole resident reunites with singing passion

Zara Taken, 91, who lives in The Potteries in Broadstone, was able to enjoy a performance of ‘Madama Butterfly’ at the Pavilion.

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A care home resident who performed in musical dramas across the country in her younger days has had the chance to enjoy a very special performance at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre.

Zara Taken, who lives at Care UK’s The Potteries in Broadstone, began singing opera in her early 20s with Opera del Mar on Brownsea Island, as well as at the Regent in Christchurch and Lighthouse in Poole.

She also starred in ‘Madama Butterfly’ at Bournemouth Winter Gardens before it was demolished, so when the care home team heard Puccini’s masterpiece was going to be performed locally around Zara’s 91st birthday, they set to work to organise a surprise trip.

On arrival at the Pavilion, Zara celebrated with a glass of prosecco as she found her seat to watch one of her favourite operas.

After the show, the staff at the theatre presented Zara with a floral arrangement and she met the cast, where she reminisced about her past performance.

Zara said: “Having played the part of Madama Butterfly myself, it brought back wonderful memories of that time. It was a magical evening, and the lady who played Madama Butterfly was exquisite, and the performance was simply perfect.”

Steve Turner, director of Venues at BH Live, said “We’re grateful to the production’s cast and crew from Ellen Kent Opera International company featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, who also generously supported this occasion.”

Zara’s trip to the opera was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to lead fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Zita Turner, home manager said: “Zara often speaks of her time singing opera in front of huge crowds so when her birthday came around, we knew we had to take her back to the stage. The team wasted no time making this wish come true.”