Over the last two weeks, Vamos has been touring an especially created care home performance throughout the West Midlands, as part of Sanctuary Care’s Shine! project.
Visiting nine care homes in all, the company of four performed Sharing Joy for residents and staff, with an emphasis on interaction, participation, and making connections irrespective of age or state of health. The show, set in the 1940s and 1950s, features courting couples, wartime nurses, swing dancing, music, masks and plenty of fun and laughter.
Rachael Savage, Vamos’s Artistic Director, who also directed and performed in the show, commented on the positive welcome the company received from residents, and praised the on-going support of Sanctuary Care staff. She added,
“More than anything, we are learning that the more with connect directly and truthfully with the audience, the more excited and engaged they are- we are even enjoying heckling!”
Residents were enthusiastic in their responses. Ernie, 79, who lives at Highcroft, called the show ‘fantastic’. Hazel, 88, from Beechwood commented, ‘you will just have to come back!’: Irene Scott of Broadmeadow Court, who will be 95 this week, added ‘what a beautiful birthday present’
Vamos would like to thank everyone at Sanctuary Care for their support taking Sharing Joy out on the road, in particular Marie-Claire Berreen and Cherry Shagan. We would also like to thank the truly amazing care staff, managers and activity coordinators who acted as helpers and facilitators during the performances to make sure everything went smoothly.
To see more photos, visit our Sharing Joy gallery