About the show
Joy is 83 today: she's feisty, loves to dance, and is losing her memory. Her grandson Danny is rebellious, bright and always getting into trouble. When Danny decides to look after Joy, they discover a shared playfulness and growing love. But is that enough to face the challenges ahead?
Approaching the subject of dementia with humour and humanity, award-winning Finding Joy has performed to audiences throughout the UK. Praised by press and public alike for its consummate full mask skills, engaging storytelling, physical dexterity and emotional insight, the production continues to involve and engage audiences.
Suitable for 12 years and upwards, Finding Joy is accessible to hearing and deaf audiences alike.
Made in association with: The Hereford Courtyard, JABADAO.
Funders: Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council.
Programme sponsors: Adventures with Dementia, Miracle Workers, Bancroft Gardens, Prime Life
Supported by: Gary Wiltshire
Production details
LATEST CAST
James Greaves Grandson Danny, A & E consultant, Joy's mother, man in sewing shop
Bidi Iredale: Joy at 83, Joy's daughter, seamstress Betty
Louise Mellor: Joy's daughter, Joy at 25, Joy at 8, Sister McLean
Sarah Nelson: Billy, husband Walter, nice nurse, patient Agnes Bull, stroppy nurse
PRODUCTION TEAM
Writer/Director: Rachael Savage
Composer/Sound Editor: Janie Armour
Advisor: Penny Greenland
Set/Costume Designer: Carl Davies
Mask/Puppet Maker: Russell Dean
Lighting Designer: Chris Barham
Choreographer: Rachael Alexander
Cine Film: Mike Jackson
Script Consultant: Janie Armour
Print design: alienpen
Set Builders: Gavin Lewery
Costume Supervisor/maker: Hannah Marshall
Wig Dresser: Alison Barlow
OTHER INFO
RUNNING TIME: 75 mins
FUNDERS: Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council,
CO-PRODUCERS: Hereford Courtyard
IN ASSOCIATION WITH: JABADAO
SUITABILITY: Over 12 years
Relaxed Performances
If you'd like to see one of our shows in a more relaxed theatre environment, try a Relaxed Performance. You can come and go freely during the show (low level houselights will be on so that you can see your way out), noise and movement in the audience are no problem, there are small adjustments to the lighting and sound to try to limit shocks or stresses, and venue staff are on hand to help and support your visit. So if you're put off going to the theatre because you need a more flexible and easy-going environment when you're there, a Relaxed Performance could be what you need.
If you're coming to a Relaxed Performance and would like to know the story in advance, you can download the show’s Visual Story, which explains what happens using pictures and accessible text. Download the Finding Joy Visual Story here.
Reviews
Trailer
BSL trailer
Finding Joy gallery
