A theatre production created by and for people living in care homes is spreading joy and goodwill this Christmas. That Theatre Group have been working with residents living with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Dementia across Merseyside to produce the show before taking it on a tour of care homes.
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00:00A theatre production created by and for people living in care homes is spreading joy and
00:05goodwill this Christmas.
00:07The reason really was to bring some joy, some entertainment and to remind those older people
00:15that they're not being forgotten.
00:17That theatre group have been working with residents living with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's
00:21and dementia across Merseyside to produce the show before taking it out on tour across
00:26care homes.
00:27We went to 11 care homes and we had conversations with over 100 people, most of whom are living
00:35with dementia or some neurological neurodegenerative disease.
00:40So throughout the show year the voices of over 100 people who are telling the story,
00:45they write the script and then the actors enact those pieces either through choreography
00:52or mime.
00:53I can honestly say I've had an absolutely fabulous time and I'll remember this day for
00:59as long as ever.
01:00I just can't put into words, I feel so excited.
01:06I didn't know what to expect but it's really good and yeah, done everything.
01:13Producer Peter Ward was inspired by his partner Graham Phillips, renowned artistic director
01:17of the Unity Theatre, who moved into a care home during the pandemic.
01:21That was at a time when relatives used to visit their loved ones and look through the
01:26window.
01:27I used to get very angry at the politicians, I used to get very upset and I thought well
01:36don't just get angry at the TV and these people, do something about it.
01:40So I put my 35 years of working in theatre to some good use.
01:46Arts Council England is financially supporting the project but they require much funding
01:50to be able to tour the show and deliver regular activities in care homes.
01:53So the team are crowdfunding to bring Winter Wonderland to as many as possible.