Earlier this month, Vamos Theatre performed a special show, made with and for people with a dementia Tewkesbury Baptist Church, offering a safe, welcoming and joyful experience for people living with a dementia, their families and carers.

The event was funded by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) Health and Wellbeing Grants Programme, which supports local projects that promote health, wellbeing and community connection.

Sharing Joy is a vibrant and colourful interactive performance created for people living with dementia, learning disabilities and other neurological conditions. With accessibility and comfort in mind, the show featured gentle lighting, a relaxed atmosphere, clear storytelling and plenty of friendly front-of-house support. Every detail was carefully planned for carers and the people they support could enjoy the performance at their own pace and in their own way.

The performance included big balloons, masks, a parachute, dancing and colourful scrunchies for everyone to hold — ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy and get involved in.

“We’re passionate about making theatre inclusive,” said Megan Dunford, Creative Health and Community Producer. “Sharing Joy offers a chance for people to laugh, connect and share in the joy of live theatre — no matter their circumstances.”

Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the event as uplifting, heart-warming and a valuable opportunity for connection and creativity within the community.

“I had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s 6 months ago, I’ve been so low, I’ve had to give up my driving licence, my partner is getting fed up with it all and this today just lifted me.” Said a participant, “The music was moving and I really needed, I don’t think I realised how much.”

The Roses would like to thank the NHS ICB Health and Wellbeing Grants Programme & Team, Vamos and all participants and volunteers, for their generous support without this event wouldn’t have been made possible and Tewkesbury Baptist Church for providing such a welcoming venue.