Sharing Joy, our vibrant and colourful interactive performance created for people living with dementia, learning disabilities and other neurological conditions, heads out on tour this week.

Performed by a cast of four, it uses music, dance, puppetry and laughter to bring pleasure and meaning to everyone watching, keeping audiences engaged, involved and exhilarated. Set in the 1940s and 1950s, there’s music to bring back memories, dancing to enjoy (or join in with), swinging dresses and best suits. It’s playful and joyous, encouraging everyone to take part and express themselves. Sharing Joy is for carers, families and loved ones too, who are all welcome.

The 23 performance tour is visiting venues across Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and the West Midlands, and is performed by cast members Ricardo Aguiar, Tisa Klicek, Shanez Pattni and Graeme Rose (pictured above).

Catherine Ball, Activities Co-ordinator at Sun Court and St. Nicholas Care Homes in Sheringham described Sharing Joy on a previous tour as “Amazingly creative, energetic and engaging. So funny for everyone - carers, as well as those cared for. The performance breaks down barriers and gives inspiration for us in our home.”

Hugh, 84, a care home resident, described the show as “The most fun I’ve had since my wedding night!”

Hazel Ratcliffe, Health Connector with Vamos Theatre who has co-ordinated the tour, describes what the performance brings to venues, “Sharing Joy is one of those truly magical experiences where everyone is embraced by the sense of connection through the genius of storytelling, movement, touch, music and love. The experience stays with everyone way beyond the performance itself and creates the seed of an idea of the possibilities of many more moments of joy to come.”

Whilst many of the performances are limited to residents, two venues are open to the public and anyone who feels the performance is right for them is welcome, along with friends, loved ones and carers - there are two performances at The Swan Theatre, Worcester and two at the SYDNI Centre in Leamington Spa. 

see tour dates

Sharing Joy is supported by Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council, The Wilmcote Charitrust, Richard Cadbury Trust, The Pam Britton Trust for Dementia and Worcester Bosch. The show was originally developed in partnership with The Hereford Courtyard, with inspiration from movement-play specialists JABADAO