Promoters: Finding Joy | Vamos Theatre

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 and beyond. The show's wordless storytelling makes it suitable for audiences of any language and has established the production as a popular theatre show for international bookers.

Suitable for 12 years and upwards, Finding Joy is accessible to hearing and deaf audiences alike.

Sponsors: Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council.
Made in association with The Hereford Courtyard and JABADAO

Staging

Scale: 4 performers + 1 technician
Min. stage area: 6 metres depth x 6 metres width x 3 metres height
Duration: 70 mins, no interval
Suitability: 12 years upwards
Lighting: A lighting pre-rig is essential prior to get in. Blackout is required
Sound: We use QLab with external soundcard, 4 x 1/4" jack to 4 speakers: venue to provide suitable FOH set up
Min get in time: Around 6hrs depending on venue (more for international venues)
Max get out time: 1hr (2hrs international)

International touring

Excess baggage:
Pack 1: weight: 28K:
size: 180 cm x 35cm x 20cm
Pack 2: weight: 26K + packaging:
size: 143cm x 67cm x 65cm
Pack 3:Total weight 30.5K + packaging
Size: 150cm x 35cm x 75 cm

International props:
A list of culturally appropriate props will need to be sourced by the Promoter in the host country e.g. branded toothpaste

Extended offer

Workshops:
Show-related full mask and physical theatre workshops

Accessibility:
Including Relaxed Performances (in collaboration with the venue), and marketing support for the d/Deaf Community.

Relaxed Performances

We believe in making our work as accessible as possible, and we work with bookers to encourage as many Relaxed Performances as we can.

Relaxed Performances are for anyone who may be put off going to the theatre because they need a more flexible and easy-going theatre environment. Audience members can come and go freely during the show (low level houselights will be on), 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.

We also provide venues with Visual Story guides for our shows, which explain what happens using pictures and accessible text.

With its theme of dementia, Relaxed Performances are a great way to encourage people living with dementia and their carers to attend a show. If you think you might be interested in hosting a Relaxed Performance, please get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Reviews

Vamos Theatre's craftily constructed and crowd-pleasing piece...The show brilliantly conveys a sense of how frightening the world seems through Joy's eyes ... the company of four are always fleet and the storytelling is excellent.

Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

A genuinely original, beautiful piece of work which deserves to be seen by a wide audience BRIGHTON FRINGE 2014 ARGUS ANGEL WINNER

Duncan Hall, The Argus, Brighton

Thank you for this wonderful show - very sensitive, touching, very observant and a lot of funny moments: we are very happy having the company here!

Anna Fentrop , Referentin der Festspielleitung (Assistant Festival Director), Recklinghausen Festival

Skilfully handled without being overly sentimental...it's only a pity the company are up in Edinburgh for such a short run.

Alan Chadwick, Scottish Daily Mail

An outstanding aspect of Finding Joy is the characters, who despite being behind masks and miming without a single spoken word, come across with incredible intensity.

Anna Paseler, Recklinghauser Zeitung, Germany

4 stars ★★★★
What could have been a hard-hitting and emotional response to an evil and devastating disease has been turned into a joyful and resonant piece of theatre that will leave you as speechless as the actors.
Read the full review.

Liam Blain, British Theatre Guide

Life-affirming, funny, deeply touching and highly, highly recommended!
Read the full review

Katerina Yannouli, Plays to See

The company are quickly cementing its position as one of, if not the, leading full-mask mime companies in existence. Finding Joy was an incredibly moving and wonderful piece of theatre. Quite simply, a triumph.

Dan English, InQuire

5 stars ★★★★★
Finding Joy, now showing at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol, can be summed up in two words: simply beautiful.
Read the full review here

Barbara Maxwell, What's On Stage

Learning and Participation

Vamos Theatre offers workshops for schools, colleges and universities, which can run alongside a performance booking. They’re suitable for all ages and abilities and give a unique experience of full mask and physical theatre. You can find out more on our Learning pages.