We're delighted to announce that Sharing Joy, our popular show for care homes and venues, is heading out on tour this June across England.
Sharing Joy is a vibrant and colourful interactive performance created for people living with dementia, learning disabilities and other neurological conditions. 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.
High levels of participation help audiences to feel included and to make genuine connections – proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Sharing Joy is for carers, families and loved ones too, who are all welcome.
Sharing Joy is visiting venues across England, including care homes and theatres in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and the West Midlands. It will be performed by Ricardo Aguiar, Tisa Klicek, Shanez Pattni and Graeme Rose.
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.”
We;d like to thank our funders who have made this tour possible - Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council, The Wilmcote Charitrust, Richard Cadbury Trust and The Pam Britton Trust for Dementia. The show was originally developed in partnership with The Hereford Courtyard, with inspiration from movement-play specialists JABADAO.
We are so looking forward to visiting care homes and venues across England and meeting residents and carers.
For more on Sharing Joy and to see the tour: