Dementia-inclusive panto brings festive joy
The Coach House Theatre in Malvern have showcased a dementia-inclusive performance of their Snow White pantomime for people in the Malvern area living with dementia.
The dementia-inclusive show was staged by students from Drama Studios London who are managed locally by professional Director and Producer, Kirsty Cubberley of The Phoenix Collective.
Chris Bassett, Executive Trustee of The Coach House Theatre, explained how the performance was made inclusive for people with dementia:
“The volume of music was reduced, the house lights dimmed so the auditorium still had ambient lighting, the cast were fully briefed on how some of the audience may react during the show and there were additional staff on hand to offer support if needed. This created a relaxed, friendly, comfortable and safe environment.”
Shirley Bradley, Friends of the Elderly’s Head of Day Care Services, supported clients who attend her Day Care alongside residents from Friends of the Elderly’s Bradbury Court dementia care home and members of the Malvern Dementia Action Alliance to attend the panto. Shirley said:
“The Day Care clients and Bradbury Court residents who attended had a wonderful time and laughed at the traditional panto gags. It was fantastic to see and hear them all having a lovely afternoon. It was a brilliant Christmas treat for everyone.”
You can find out more about The Coach House Theatre here: https://www.coachhousetheatre.co.uk
