TV stars take part in dementia friendly theatre day at Pontio

Actors Sharon Morgan (Hinterland, Torchwood, Under Milk Wood) and Christopher Elson (Da Vinci’s Demons, High Hopes and Torchwood), will take part in a special presentation of this This Incredible Life by Alan Harris.

The production is part of a day when Pontio opens its doors to people living with dementia, and their families and carers, on Tuesday, October 9.

There will be of activities and workshops, including the dementia friendly performance, presented by Canoe Theatre in partnership with Theatrau Sir Gar.

The day, has been developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society.

Events begin at midday with information stations open where members of the public can find out about dementia activities and support groups.

There is also an opportunity to take part in Dementia Friends training, a nationwide initiative, where participants learn more about dementia and the small ways they can help.

People living with dementia and their families and carers can also take part in a free creative workshop with Dawns i Bawb.

During the performance of this Incredible Life, the theatre will be well lit with comfortable sound levels.

There will be plenty of space between seats and audience members can leave the theatre and re-enter as and when they need to.

Refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to meet the cast.

The play will also include local references from Bangor in the 60s and 70s to spark memories and connections.

Canoe Theatre is working with volunteers who will support visitors throughout the day by offering directions and assistance.

Volunteers will also join venue staff in a Dementia Friends training and information sessions in the run up to the day.

 This Incredible Life tells the story of retired journalist Mab and her nephew Robert.

As they spend time together their family history unfolds with funny and moving consequences.

Mab and Robert are played by Sharon Morgan and Christopher Elson.

They will be joined on stage by a supporting cast of seven character parts being filmed on location in Wales.

Local businesses from a chip shop to a dental surgery have opened their doors for filming to help bring the play to life.

Sharon Morgan is developing a bilingual text and the company have also been calling on local experts to suggest places that they remember from the 60s and 70s as locations will change as the play tours Wales.

The film work will be created by Jorge Lizalde and the play will also feature a new score, written for the piece by composer Richard Barnard.

Director Julia Thomas said: “When I was younger I was forever asking my granny to tell me stories about her life and we would often get lost in afternoons of watching beautiful films full of love and hope with amazing dance routines.

"I wanted to see if we could create this feeling on stage. It is both epic and intimate, funny and touching. It is a story that is suitable for all. I feel that we have a responsibility to make sure that our theatres offer something for everyone.

"I am excited to be sharing this play with eight inspiring Welsh venues committed to the same cause."

Canoe Theatre collaborated with Ffwrnes to present the first full production of This Incredible Life in 2016, including a highly successful day of activities that helped to establish Ffwrnes as a Dementia Friendly venue.

They have come together to create the touring version of the play employing a dedicated co-ordinator in each area to plan a day of activity, refreshments and socialising.

There will be over 150 young volunteers recruited across Wales to support the Dementia Friendly Theatre Days.

Marcia Vale from the Alzheimer’s Society said “The Dementia Friendly Performance was the first activity in the region that stepped out of the stereotypical dementia support activity.

"It was a wonderful event that has allowed people living with dementia to engage in an activity that is currently unavailable to them in this form.

The play was very thought provoking and enabled the audience to `live in the moment.’

Sharon Casey, theatres development manager at Theatrau Sir Gâr, said “we are proud to be working with Canoe Theatre again following the success of the first production of This Incredible Life.

"We are pleased to be supporting the play to visit more venues and reach more audiences across Wales."