BAFTA Award-winning actress Vicky McClure has given her backing to new dementia-friendly performances at Nottingham Playhouse.
The theatre will be offering two such performances in 2017, for its panto Aladdin and its first spring show Touched which features the Nottingham actress.
She said, “being an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, I’m thrilled that the Playhouse has created the opportunity to devise Touched as a dementia-friendly performance. I hope this encourages more theatres to do the same.”
Changes to a performance include having the theatre house lights up slightly, avoiding loud noises and stripping away competing levels of sound.
The Playhouse will also offer members of the audience the chance to meet the actors after the show.
Teresa Allen, dementia support manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in Nottinghamshire, said, “everyone has the right to participate in the arts. We know that for people with dementia there are many benefits. It can improve their quality of life and well-being by stimulating emotions and creativity.
“It’s hugely encouraging to see Nottingham Playhouse staging dementia-friendly performances. I hope many more arts venues join the movement towards a dementia-friendly society.”
The dementia-friendly performance of Aladdin will be on Wednesday 18 January at 2:30PM and Touched will be on Thursday 23 February at 1:30PM.