Interactive Festive Performance Developed with Dementia Patients’ Input

A theatre ensemble based in Warwickshire is aiming to deliver holiday cheer through visits to community centers, care facilities, and medical institutions. Spiltmilk Dance’s interactive Wonderland production was created with contributions from individuals living with dementia. The Leamington Spa-based group performed at the Dorothy Parkes community center in Smethwick, near Birmingham, on Tuesday. Their schedule includes visits to 12 care homes and 10 performances at hospitals located in Nuneaton, Nottingham, and Leicester. The initiative’s goal is to make the arts accessible to adults who are unable to attend traditional theatre venues. Sarah Boulter, co-artistic director of Spiltmilk Dance, remarked: “What more could you want really than a tap-dancing, trumpet-playing Christmas tree?” She further explained their creative philosophy: “Sometimes people can lean very heavily on nostalgia for older adult audiences and that can absolutely work perfectly. But we want to try and do something different that wasn’t just that.” Boulter emphasized the show’s contemporary focus, stating: “It wasn’t about memory… It wasn’t about having to look back. It was about living in that moment.” Rob Bruce, chief executive of the Dorothy Parkes Centre, observed that the performers arrived during a period of economic strain, with energy prices being “sky high.” He added: “What this enables us to do is to bring the community together in a safe space, a warm space, and let them explore and experience something that they may not get the opportunity to do.” One man attending the performance commented: “It’s just good to get out and about, for those who can’t possibly, and for the theatre to come to them.” A woman also expressed her appreciation, saying: “I don’t see anything like this… it’s wonderful.” Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.