Sharing Joy is a theatre show especially created for those living with dementia and their carers. It’s a huge celebration of life and all its joys, using music, dance, nostalgia, masks, puppetry and laughter to bring pleasure and meaning to everyone involved.

The show is set in the 1940s and 1950s, where we’ll meet courting couples, wartime nurses, a singing dog, and even Elvis himself - who may make an appearance as a special guest! There’s plenty of music to bring back memories, dancing to enjoy or join in with, swinging dresses and best suits. It’s a playful and joyous show that encourages everyone to take part and to express themselves.

Who is it for and where can it be performed?
The show has been created for people living with dementia, carers (whether in the home or Care Home), and families. Everyone interested is invited. Sharing Joy can be performed at venues, care homes, GP surgeries, dementia cafes or wherever we will fit.

What are the benefits?
Sharing Joy creates an environment in which those living with dementia can re-link with culture and take part in something meaningful, one of the Social Care Institute’s markers of excellence. The high level of participation helps everyone feel included and make real connections - something proven to make a positive impact on mental and physical health. The show encourages confidence, attention and communication, whether verbal or through touch, body language or gesture, improving well-being and contentment. As we work towards the Government’s 2020 Dementia Challenge, Sharing Joy gives people living with dementia the opportunity to express themselves and connect in alternative ways: finding another way of saying who I am.

For carers, Sharing Joy promotes knowledge, training and skill-building, supporting the delivery of excellent care. You’ll be welcome at a Sharing Joy performance whether you’re caring for someone at home, or working professionally. It’s a chance to see person-centred caring in action, to be inspired, to learn, to meet like-minded people, to have a laugh (or many), and a really, really good time.

Booking Sharing Joy
Sharing Joy can be performed in all sorts of spaces. If you're interested in booking the show for a Care Home, venue, or any other community setting, please get in touch
tel: +44(0)1905 312 921
email: info[at]vamostheatre.co.uk or contact us via our Contact Form

Our sponsors
Sharing Joy has been created with the support of Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and the Elmley Foundation. It is part of Vamos Theatre's two year Strategic Touring Project funded by ACE. aiming to develop audiences amongst those living with dementia and their carers.

The show was originally developed in partnership with The Hereford Courtyard, with inspiration from movement-play specialists JABADAO, and a special commission of the show has toured as part of Sanctuary Care's Shine project.