We have recently welcomed Tamara Shumarina from Kherson Puppet Theatre Ukraine on a cultural exchange supported by The British Council. In her blog, Tamara shares her experiences of the rehearsal room and the UK so far.
The next time I see Tamara - an update about Ukraine
This time last year, Vamos Theatre's supporters helped raise funds for the people of Kherson, Ukraine, including friends and colleagues at Kherson Puppet Theatre. In an update, Artistic Director Rachael Savage tells us the latest news from the city.
Come and train with us in France
There's no place on earth like the city of Perigueux, France, during MIMOS, the annual international mime festival. Our Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, will be there and invites you to join her for a very special Masterclass.
It’s all about Listening with your Eyes
We're relaunching our highly-popular training for carers, Listening with your Eyes, which explores how we communicate without words; with our eyes, our bodies, posture, gesture and touch. Rachael Savage, the workshop's creator, tells us about its huge benefits to carers and the people they care for, especially those living with dementia
Rachael’s latest news from Kherson
We're doing one final push to raise as much money as we can to support friends and colleagues in Kherson, Ukraine. Read the latest updates from Rachael and please donate if you can.
An update from Rachael on Ukraine appeal
Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, gives on update on her crowdfunder campaign raising money to support the people of Kherson, Ukraine.
Help our Artistic Director raise money for Ukraine
Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, has friends close to her heart in Kherson, since working and touring there. She's launched a Crowdfunder campaign to help people in the city access food, clothes and medicine.
Latest news from Tim
We're delighted to share the latest from Tim Strugnell, an audience member living with a terminal cancer diagnosis who joined the cast for the last night of Dead Good earlier in the year.
Thank you MIMOS!
Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, comes back from the Perigueux International Mime Festival filled with creativity and inspiration – and shares some of the highlights of this fabulous festival.
Making the most of life
Thanks to Zoe Harris, founder and CEO of the not-for-profit social enterprise Mycarematters, for this inspiring guest blog about her mission and the My Future Care Buddy Service.
Does full mask theatre work on film?
With the online premiere of Dead Good coming up, Artistic Director Rachael Savage muses about filming mask theatre. Should we bother? Is it worth it? Does mask work on film? Read on...
A joy of creative exploration
With our first Emerging Artist programme coming to a grand finale last week, participant Jessica Melia explores the importance of nurturing artists, whatever their age.
Volunteering with Vamos
We are so pleased to have Louise Gipson with us as Vamos Central's Volunteer Assistant. Her blog tells us why she decided to join us...
Real life adventures
During a recent Q&A discussion (part of our production, Dead Good) one of our audience members - Tim Strugnell - said that he was living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, and that it was on his bucket list to perform with us. Two weeks later, with Tim onside, we made it happen.
Life is a gift
Dave Fisher is a celebrant, whose role is to officiate at a funeral or celebration of life. In this guest blog, Dave reviews our show about end of life, Dead Good, from his own particular perspective.
A Dead Good experience
Have you seen Dead Good? Get to know cast member, Radhika Aggarwal, as she discusses touring her first full mask theatre show.
It’s been Dead Good
That period between university and a career can be a tricky one for young theatre professionals. Assistant Producer, Tisa Klicek, tells us about her experience working with Vamos Theatre on our latest production, Dead Good.
An explosion of fun through 3 millimetres of safety glass
Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, describes our recent Covid-safe care home show, Love Through Double Glazing, as one of the most important we've ever made. Why? Rachael explains all in her latest blog.
Stealing the show - and the biscuits
It's been a roller-coaster year for emerging artist, Norah Savage, culminating in a show-stealing performance in our care home show, Love Through Double Glazing - not bad for a Bichon Frise. Here she tells us how she's coped with the adulation, and plans for the future.
What could possibly go wrong?
Create a new Walkabout performance entirely over Zoom with actors on the other side of the world? No problem, we said! After a hectic three months, director Rachael Savage tells us about the ups and downs of international digital collaboration.
Bridging cultural differences
Our recent performances in Beijing would not have been the same without our wonderful translator, Ding Ding, who helped bridge the inevitable language and cultural differences. Find out what the process was like for her in this guest blog.
Doing what I want to do
With our performances in Beijing coming up fast, it's the turn of actor Yang Zhang to tell us what it's been like to learn full mask theatre.
Feeling free
We're loving working with Chinese performers for our new Walkabout act in Beijing. Using full mask has been a new experience for them, so what's it been like? Here are Xiaoxu Liu's answers.
Managing - to survive and thrive
We're so looking forward to getting back to care homes in May - meanwhile we wanted to highlight the caring approach of care sector professionals during the pandemic. Mark Topps, is one - and in this guest blog he tells us about supporting staff and promoting a culture of positivity and motivation.
Wave, smile and talk to each other
Roy Sager has been one of the most avid supporters of The Wednesday Wave campaign, since finding out about it at his dementia meet, Buddies. In this guest blog, created in conversation with our Health Coordinator Hazel, he tells us about his involvement.
Having a riot
Pilot performances of our new show for care homes, Love Through Double Glazing, have proved, well, riotous! Artistic DIrector, Rachael Savage, tells us why this cheeky, joyful show could be just what residents and staff need.
Friends and neighbours
The Wednesday Wave was inspired by Hazel, a care home resident in Worcester. In this guest blog, Hazel’s daughter Shellie, tells us how Covid has affected her connection with her mum, and why waving, wherever you are, is so crucially important as we return to lockdown.
Introducing Love Through Double Glazing
We've recently started some very early explorations for a new show, performed outside with audience inside and watched through windows. Stanfield Care Home was kind (and brave!) enough to host our first try-out. Nursing Home Director Richard White sent us this feedback...
Dementia: myths vs realities
In this guest blog, we’re delighted to be able to share the impactful thoughts of Danuta Lipinska, a counsellor who writes about the value and diversity of counselling people who are living with dementia.
The power of a simple wave
In the first of our blogs about the impact of The Wednesday Wave, educator John Plant tells us how it brings people together, no matter what the barriers between them.
Behind the scenes - How Hard is Waving (Part 3)
In the final part of our behind the scenes look at How Hard is Waving? editor Dan Hill and director/performer Rachael Savage tell us about the challenges and joys of making a BBC series in lockdown.
Behind the scenes - How Hard is Waving (Part 2)
Now it's the turn of the newbies! Rosa Savage describes her first professional acting work on How Hard is Waving?, and Norah the dog wants to be taken seriously.
Behind the scenes - How Hard is Waving (Part 1)
Making a series for the BBC in lockdown was never going to be the easiest challenge! Cast members James and Alan tell us how on earth they did it...
Telling true stories
Our BBC commission, How Hard is Waving?, was inspired by a true story, involving a runner, a lady in a care home, a small, white dog and a growing relationship. Rachael Savage tells us more…
Surreal times - a message from the garden
Artistic Director Rachael Savage with the latest on Vamos Theatre, ways to connect with us, and free cuddles (when it's allowed!)
Break the rules, change the rules
Making presumptions can be a real barrier to embracing diversity. Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, tells us about her work with seven fantastic theatre makers from Graeae, the UK’s flagship disabled-led theatre company.
Having conversations about death
We've Dr Maggie Keeble to thank for instigating the making of Dead Good - she was the person who first suggested making a show about end of life - and so it's great to have her, alongside Lucy Martin, guest blogging about the importance of planning for a good death.
A grand year for Vamos Youth Theatres
Thanks to Jasmine and Ashley for telling us what they've loved about Vamos Youth Theatre and Vamos Central in 2019...
Talking about the end
Our new show Dead Good is being supported on tour by the lovely people at Marie Curie. To start things off, Aline Dian’s guest blog encourages all of us to have those important conversations while there’s still time.
Strawberry Shoelaces and friendships
Why are youth theatres important? Our Creative Producer and Youth Theatres Director, Honor Hoskins, knows why they matter to her…
Finding the happy place
Our recent Mask Foundation Course introduced an incredibly talented group to mask techniques. A huge thank you to Worcester University student, Danielle Palmer, for describing the pleasures and the challenges.
Incredible stories of love, life and death
All our shows are born of people's real-life stories and often years of research. Writer and Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, gives us a candid. moving and tempting dip into the stories behind our new show, Dead Good.
Being the person I want to be
Our Youth Theatre for young people with learning disabilities launched in January, and what a time it's been. Vamos Central member Laura Gill tells us why she's had such a good year...
Let’s live
To celebrate Carers Week, we're so pleased to feature a guest blog by Dave Harper, who we met during the research for Dead Good. Dave is a day patient at Mary Stevens Hospice, and he tells us about his own carer, and the importance of positivity when faced with dying.
When Things Go Wrong
Things always go to plan on stage, right? Not always! In the last blog from the road, actor Sophia Knox-Miller contemplates making mistakes on stage.
A day in the life of…
So what's an actor's day like whilst a show's on the road? With admirable attention to appropriate soundtracks, Joshua Patel tells us what goes on backstage and beyond...
Unspoken connections
Thank you to Shefali Chandra, an army Veteran whose husband lived with Post Traumatic Stress, for sending us her honest and powerful blog about seeing A Brave Face, and coming to our Veterans' Mask Making Residency.
Touring Vanter
Two months into the tour of A Brave Face and the cast has covered a lot of miles! The lovely James Greaves talks van-talk, the clashing of musical tastes, and the modern phenomenon of not talking to each other.
Getting an insight
From time to time, we're contacted about work experience placements - and if someone sounds interesting, we take them on! Our latest placement has been Joe Raybould, who's written us a blog about what it's been like.
Seeing beauty in humble places
In this guest blog, Dr Julie Watson reflects on participating in Listening with your Eyes, our workshop about communication and connection.
Sharing a vision
Our partnership with National Star College is extremely precious to us at Vamos Theatre. In this guest blog, National Star's Paul Tarling tells us about the college and explores why mask theatre can work so well with young people with complex disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
What a day!
Deaf workshop leader Mary Jayne Russell de Clifford tells us about the fabulous students at Longwill School for the Deaf, and the positive way mask workshops build confidence for deaf students
First term at VYT
Vamos Youth Theatre member Lucy Plant fills us in on VYT's first term together
Ramblings from the Road
On tour with Finding Joy, actor Louise Mellor contemplates international touring, better together, and the global perspective that comes from life on the road
Filled with love
Mhari, who lives with dementia, and her partner, Hugh, review Finding Joy
Designing Joy
With Finding Joy well in the swing, we’re getting lots of comments about how lovely it looks. We’ve asked set and costume designer Carl Davies to tell us more about how he’s designed the show, and the special challenges of working with mask.
Painting with Light
Lighting is one of the most essential elements of a theatre performance, yet it’s rarely noticed. Giving an insight into its role in Finding Joy, lighting designer Chris Barham helps us know what to look out for…
On being an Amigo
Want to get more involved with Vamos Theatre? Liz, who lives in Suffolk, is one of our Vamos Amigos, and here she tells us what it's like to be part of our most amazing supporters!
The inside view
Assistant Clinical Practitioner Paul Stokes shares his experience of booking Sharing Joy and the impact it had on those in his care who live with dementia.
Reflecting on the Joy
Cast member Alejandra Bacelar Pereira invites us to the Sharing Joy party
All about Sharing
In the second of our Sharing Joy on-the-road blogs, actors Nik Howden and Doug Rutter reflect on performing for people living with dementia.
A Day to Remember - Angie Dean
Continuing our celebration of wedding days, and the memories and connections for those living with dementia, Angie Dean, who lives with Alzheimer's, shares her funny and romantic special day.
Love and accessibility at the RSC
Artistic Director Rachael Savage shares her recent experiences of working with masks and dementia training at the Royal Shakespeare Company, one of our Strategic Touring partners.
Working without words
Performing without words is what we do best - so we can work with actors who speak any language. Sharing Joy performers Lotte Tickner and Alejandra Bacelar Pereira bring us the Vamos Dictionary - shared words you really do need on tour!
A Day to Remember #1
Alongside Sharing Joy, we’ll be exploring wedding days, and the memories and connections that can still be found for those living with dementia. To set the scene, Vamos Theatre’s Kathryn Bettesworth tells us about her own special day…
Saturday Night Out in Brighton
Can theatre make a positive difference? In May, a group of veterans came to Brighton to see A Brave Face - here's what they thought..
The game of two halves
What happens backstage during a mask theatre show has to be seen to be believed. Fancy a glimpse? A Brave Face performer, Joanna Holden, describes what goes on in the dimness!
A blog about a blog
Q: How do you make an internationally renowned clown break into a sweat?
A: Ask him to write a blog...
Fandabbidosey
Having played more than her fair share of children over the years, A Brave Face actor Joanna Holden reflects on turning 50, and playing an 8 year old...
A message of hope…
The guidence of Veterans has been crucial to us during the making of A Brave Face. But how has the show been received? P. Snow, editor of Veterans' magazine The Sandbag Times, writes us a guest blog.
Taking notes…
Interested in applying for an apprenticeship with Vamos? Current apprentice Natalie Hind gives an insight into what it's like, and a peak in her little pink journal…
The genuine article
How can an actor start to understand what it’s really like in a war zone? With two weeks to go to opening night, A Brave Face actor Angela Laverick tells us more…
Fear And Doubting In Worcester
James Greaves may have years of mask experience behind him, but it doesn't stop him having first-day-of-rehearsal nerves. If you think an actors life is all hey-diddle-de-dee, check out his very funny blog...
In China and looking for banter
Don't speak the language? Artistic Director Rachael Savage praises the power of the non-verbal in this blog about our recent visit to China
Ars Saltandi vs. The Grand Middle Age
Ever wondered what a clown has to say about death? Now's your chance, as performer Aron De Casmaker shares audience reactions to Finding Joy, and muses on the bigger themes of living, caring and dying that lie behind this year's Vamos projects.
Tour thoughts
Touring actors do a lot of travelling. Some read, some listen to music...Finding Joy actor Rayo Patel shares what occupies him on the long road between venues.
To boot or not to boot…
Finding Joy performer Bidi Iredale takes us on a guided walk through the emotions and impact of the tour so far
Inspiring Joy: celebrating Nana Flo
Is there an older person who inspires or inspired you? We've asked the Finding Joy cast to share who their inspirational elders are, and why. This week, Louise Mellor tells us about her nan, Flo.
Kindness, loss, growth and Joy
Hazel Ratcliffe, our Strategic Touring Manager, reflects on Sharing Joy, and a summer of twists and turns.
Vamos va va voom!
Verity the Van's replacement has been a while coming, but thanks to Top Dog Bobby, and our wonderful supporters and funders, here she is! Rachael tells us about buying the best van in Somerset...
Any experience is good experience
Vamos was lucky enough to have Year 10 student Rebecca Cartwright on work experience recently. If you're a young person wondering what it might be like, read how Rebecca got on...
Nuns, clowns and ballerinas
Artistic Director Rachael has taken her family to Perigueux Festival for years, so it's particularly special that Vamos is part of this anarchic, wonderful festival this year. Rachael looks back at some top moments...
Taking on challenges
Kathryn Green who runs our Young People's Theatre, reflects on the group's most challenging performance to date - a show about mental health
That Unshakable Formality
Cirque de Soleil clown Aron De Casmaker has travelled the world as a performer. So what's the appeal of being part of Sharing Joy, our show for people living with dementia? Aron tells us more...
The news from Bergen
In the last of our blogs from the Finding Joy international tour, Nicky Fearn tells us about the slightly soggy side of Bergen in Norway
An epic hop, skip and drive
The British Airways shutdown last week meant the Finding Joy cast had make on an epic dash across four countries to get to Germany in time. Actor James Greaves tells us about it...
Variations on a sausage
So who says actors only think about food? Finding Joy cast member Sarah Hawkins gives us the low down on European touring from the beautiful city of Prague
Enthusiastic audiences (and great beer)
The story so far as Finding Joy actor Alan Riley steps up as our European Correspondent from Germany
Rejuvenated, inspired and challenged
It's not that often that a 6'8" Australian clown gets in touch, but having Clint Bolster as Artist in Residence has been a joy - here's his side of the story.
Travelodge vs Premiere Inn: the ultimate challenge of touring
For a touring actor, where you'll sleep tonight is way up there on the list of priorities. For the Best Thing actor Marco Nanetti, there are only two choices...
Seeing a different picture
As a CND card-carrying teenager, Artistic Director Rachael reflects on how meeting soldiers during her research for A Brave Face has changed her outlook on the military.
Louder than Words
In our latest blog from the road, actor Louise Mellor considers the power of mask to connect us across barriers and boundaries
Creating characters, creating stories
What do masks have to do with reading and literature? As it turns out, quite a lot! Kathryn Green takes us on a trip to Shrewsbury Children's Bookfest.
Being accessible, being inspiring
Stephen Collins is one of the group of Deaf practitioners who have recently become Vamos mask workshop leaders. In this guest blog, Stephen tells us a little about why full mask works for Deaf audiences.
A passion for mask
Sometimes you experience something and it changes your life forever. In our latest blog, The Best Thing cast member Hannah Kimpton shares her ongoing passion for full mask theatre...
The Best Thing About Me #4
With classic Canadian punk bands and a childhood fear of jewellery in the mix, the last of our Best Thing About Me series is a cracker.
Getting enthusiastic
We're delighted that Emily Howlett, Stephen Collins and Mary-Jayne Russell De Clifford have joined the Vamos team as d/Deaf workshop leaders. In this guest blog, Emily fills us in on what it's like to take on the role.
The Best Thing About Me #3
Who wore floral denim wedges? Who loved Elvis Costello? Here's the latest The Best Thing About Me from the team.
The Best Thing About Me #2
In the second of our series revealing The Best Thing secrets of our cast and crew, meet Laura Sprake and Hannah Kimpton, who share a love of tree climbing...
The Best Thing About Me #1
The Best Thing About Me feature we ran for The Best Thing's last tour was a real hit: so why not a new batch!? Introducing cast member Marco, and Marketing Manager, Justine.
Taking the first steps
Artistic Director Rachael Savage shares her experience of spending time with the Army in Colchester, as part of researching our next new production.
Theatre for everyone
So what does it really mean to be 'accessible'?. During a year dedicated to finding that out, Vamos's General Manager Charlotte, shares some of what we've learned so far.
Being genuinely inclusive
Development Manager Honor Hoskins celebrates our recent ACE funding to further the accessibility of our work
Passing the baton
VYPT 9-13 leader Kathryn Green celebrates the group's first ever mask performance
Fringe benefits?
Why perform at Edinburgh fringe when it’s known as such a financial risk? Artistic Director Rachael Savage takes us through the tricky decision making for a company like Vamos.
Vamos’s dream drive
Verity was the big, shiny Mercedes Sprinter she'd always yearned after...Rachael's celebration of the Vamos van and life on the road
Powerful Connections
In a hard-hitting blog, Artistic Director Rachael Savage describes the emotional subject matter connecting The Best Thing with her recent trip to South Africa
The Cape Town experience
For those of you who missed Rachael’s blog from Cape Town, here’s a recap of her posting from the start of her visit to South Africa.
Vamos in South Africa
Rachael and Janie report back from Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
Wordless visual theatre for deaf and hearing alike
We have learned so much during our recent consultancy with the Deaf community: Vamos's Honor Hoskins tells us more...
The Best Thing About Me #5
With the show nearly ready to head out on tour, we get to the final lucky few sharing their childhood secrets. This week, find out who wore patent shoes and frilly collars!
The Best Thing About Me #4
Share in some of our cast and crew's childhood secrets as The Best Thing About Me continues...
So, what do you do then?
As jobs go, mask acting must be one of the hardest to describe, as The Best Thing actor Sarah Hawkins explains...