At Springfield Hospital Tooting

Funded by: The Bridgehouse Trust, South West London & St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Mr Buck Munro, famous film director, was sent by LTM producers to Springfield Studio to make the latest smash hit comedy musical 'A Radio Romance' for the returning GI's all about British daily life. Meanwhile, local girl, Phyllis Leadbetter had come to the Studio to spot the stars and collect autographs.

When none of Mr Munro's movie stars turned up Phyllis was cast as the star of the movie opposite Mr Munro, and the patients and staff stood in as film crew and playing all the other roles: wicked sisters, dancers, dog owners, entertainers and kick-line girls as well as singing all the musical numbers and providing the orchestra.

Buck might have liked to think he was in charge but the patients and staff ran the show - suggesting scenes, dialogue and music (Knees up mother Brown, and Lambeth Walk were particular favourites) and while all this was going on Buck and Phyllis were falling in love. Buck was continually asking for patients' advice on courting and Phyllis was always asking how best to respond so with the patients and staff's help and advice Phyllis and Buck left Springfield arm in arm, engaged!

"Patients were happy and bubbly - it brought some spring into their lives"

"It challenged relatives perceptions about what people were capable of"