Aylesbury Town Council and Aylesbury Waterside Theatre are together continuing their pledge to support ageing well in Aylesbury through the Town Council’s Dementia Friendly Aylesbury initiative.
The Town Council and Waterside Theatre have teamed up with the Vamos Theatre Company to host a masked theatre performance, Sharing Joy, on Thursday 22 June. There are two shows available, and seats are restricted to 35 at each, to ensure visitors get the best experience possible. Tickets are free of charge but must be reserved.
The performance is a huge celebration of life and all its joys, using music, dance, masks, nostalgia, and laughter to bring pleasure and meaning to everyone involved. The performance strives to give people living with dementia the opportunity to connect in alternative ways, encourages a re-engagement with culture while also involving high levels of participation which are proven to improve mental and physical health.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre will host the show as part of their work to further demonstrate their access-for-all facilities. Vamos Theatre Company visited Aylesbury’s theatre in 2018 and performed the play Finding Joy. The award-winning performance approached the subject of dementia with humour and humanity.
Aylesbury Town Council has been committed to its Dementia Friendly Aylesbury project since 2016. The project has delivered dementia awareness sessions to residents, groups, schools, and businesses within Aylesbury. These sessions have created more than 3,000 ‘Dementia Friends’ in the local area. Dementia Friends understand dementia and how to support those in their community living with it.
The Town Council also hosts a monthly musical session for those living with dementia and their carers. #TuesdayTunes is held in Aylesbury Library and allows residents to connect through music, memories, and gentle exercise.
Mayor of Aylesbury said: “The Town Council’s focus is to help residents age well in Aylesbury and support local businesses to make slight changes that will have a significant impact in the community. We want to be part of a societal and positive behavioural change.
“We hope the dementia community joins us on Thursday 22 June to witness a fantastic performance from Vamos Theatre Company. Thank you to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for their continued support of the Dementia Friendly Aylesbury project.”
Theatre Director of Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Sophie Denney, said: ‘We are delighted to be welcoming back Sharing Joy into our studio space, and working once more with Aylesbury Town Council and Vamos Theatre to shine a light on members of the community who will hopefully greatly benefit from the interactive session. We are passionate advocates of the benefits of theatre, performance, and roleplay in improving both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Dementia-friendly initiatives like this are always supported by the team, and we hope all who come along have a special experience with us.”