Based on real-life stories from people affected by dementia that we gathered from Arts Uplift’s successful Suitcase Stories project in partnership with Museums Worcestershire, Navigating Margaret, is an exciting theatre production about a Worcestershire woman’s journey living with dementia and how it affects her family. Margaret was one of the first women to fly an aeroplane in Worcestershire and we also look back at her life from the 60s to the present day (her childhood, growing up and meeting the love of her life Charlie a ground breaking inter-cultural relationship) as her story unfolds.
The play weaves text and movement with a fairy-tale feel to it mixing the real and abstract. Four diverse professional actors will help to tell the incredible stories and raise much needed awareness and education about dementia (1 in 14 adults over 65 years have dementia and 1 in 3 people born today will develop the disease).
Audience members thoughts
“Wonderful. Magical. Informative. Helps dispel the fear & concern around dementia.” “I thought the play was incredibly well written, the emotional aspects were very hard hitting, but very eye opening.”
“It was charming and poignant and so beautifully detailed, real emotional lift.”
A Question and Answer session will follow each show with a panel including dementia experts, members of the cast and the Writer/Director. This will enable the audience to explore the subject matter and the creative journey. Local dementia support information will be available to take away.
Who should see the play
The play and associated dementia workshops are suitable for older people, professional care staff, NHS workers, health students, volunteers, carers and family members, people with early stage dementia, theatre goers and anyone generally interested in dementia.
The show and workshops are not suitable for people with middle and late-stage dementia. Age recommendation 12+ due tooccasional mild swearing.
Dementia Awareness Workshops
Using excerpts from the show and Forum Theatre techniques, the workshops are a practical introduction to dementia, dementia care and prevention. Low pressure interactive play opportunities and practical explorations build an actionable and experiential understanding of dementia.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning experience that combines informative discussions with hands-on activities.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our 4-person team and dementia specialist, including actors who will share excerpts from their thought-provoking show.
Actionable Insights: Gain practical knowledge and skills to enhance dementia care and promote preventive behaviours.
Hear what our participants have to say: “Absolutely brilliant”
“Very informative and great that it got people physically involved”
In previous workshops all participants stated they learnt something new, including the complexity of the disease and the impact it has on family & friends. 100% said they would recommend the training, stating that “It was a positive way of looking at how to make a difference” and “Interactive learning is so much better than being talked at!”
Testimonial
Kevin Moffatt, dementia researcher (just retired from Warwick University)
“Professionally, I would consider that everyone should immerse themselves in Navigating Margaret. As a dementia-research neuroscientist, and the Outreach Director for Life Sciences, I am always looking for ways to use the power of the creative arts to bring this subject to the forefront. Having participated in two of the rehearsed readings and their associated workshops, I was hugely impressed. Arts Uplift’s research and dedication to the science, social implications and the personal interactions of families, makes for an intelligent, pertinent and factual insight into this critical area of disease and care.”
Arts Uplift are committed to being as environmentally responsible as possible. Please consider travelling to the show and workshops by public transport, on foot or car share.
Book Your Place
Live performance
Pay what you can. All donations appreciated.
14 November 7pm – Sikh Cultural & Sports Centre, Leamington Spa, CV31 3LZ
17 November 10.30am – Indian Community Centre, Cross Rd, Coventry, CV6 5GP
21 November 7pm, Ecumenical Centre, Redditch,B97 4EX
There will be a Q&A session following each play.
Dementia Awareness Workshops
14 November 2.30-4.30pm – Sikh Cultural and Sports Centre, Leamington, CV31 3LZ- Pay what you can
17 November 3-5pm- Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, CV1 5EV-Pay what you can
18 November 10-12 noon- Rugby Baptist Church, Rugby, CV21 2PJ- Pay what you can
18 November 2.30-4.30pm- Nuneaton library, Nuneaton, CV11 4DR- Pay what you can
19 November 10-12pm- Hastings Care Home, Malvern, WR14 3NA- £10* including refreshments
19 November 2.30-4.30pm- Tolly Community Centre, Worcester, WR4 9QW- £10* including refreshments
20 November 10-12 noon- Deer Park Care Home, Ledbury, HR8 2XW- £10* including refreshments
20 November 2.30-4.30pm- Belmont Community Centre, Hereford, HR2 7UQ £10* including refreshments
21 November 2.30-4.30pm-Ecumenical Centre, Redditch, B97 4EX- Pay what you can
Eliza Ann is a 23 year old, actor/creator/movement artist, based in London and the West Midlands. Since graduating in 2022, with a First Degree in Acting, Theatre and Performance, she has continued to develop her skills in visual imagery and physical theatre. Eliza performed as Young Margaret in the 2023 and 2024 rendition of Navigating Margaret with ArtsUplift. She is now returning as Young Margaret and Dani, in this version of Navigating Margaret – The Tour (2025). Eliza is also an associate artist for the critically acclaimed Strange Futures Theatre Company, with whom she has written, devised and performed in multiple community-involved projects, including The Last Restaurant (2022), Slow Cooked Stories (2023) and On The Bare Hill (2024). The Tree Rings.
(2023) was shortlisted by both Underbelly and The Pleasance Charlie Hartill Fund. She has led workshops in puppetry and visual arts, of which involved drama students at The University of Worcester. Eliza has also supported multiple award nominated short films.
Lucinda Lloyd
Playing Magpie, Ma, Louise, Sarah
Lucinda graduated from the Academy Of Live & Recorded Arts completing the 3year Diploma in Acting. She continued her training with Anne Bogart (Viewpoints) and Seb Harcombe (Stanislavski). She won the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ award in the 168 LA Film Festival for her role in the film Home, dir: Debs Paterson. Theatre credits include Shall We Shog? (The Globe) dir: Ken Campbell; Decor Without Production 1 & 2, (The Royal Court) dir: Ken Campbell; Cathy,Wuthering Heights, (The Rosemary Branch and UK tour) dir: Helen Tennison; Hecuba in Hecuba, (The White Bear) dir: Justin Murray; Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, (Dirty Market Theatre) dir: Georgina Sowerby. Lucinda combines her skills as an actor, artist and writer. She was selected for The New Writers programme at The Royal Court & The Arcola as well as receiving a poetry writing award from The Arvon Foundation. She also received The Royal Female School of Art Award. In addition to her works being shown at The Arcola & The BAC, Lucinda is currently developing an original piece of theatre with St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, London. This is the second time Lucinda has been a part of the company for Navigating Margaret.
Illona Linthwaite
Playing Margaret
After training at Rose Bruford’s Drama School Illona worked in repertory theatre for several years. She later formed her own company, writing and commissioning plays. In London she has acted at The Arcola, Lyric Hammersmith, Playhouse Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Young Vic, National and RSC Theatre Companies. She recently worked with the Dot Collective, Bedouin Shakespeare, Punch Drunk, SLG Co. and Swamp Motel playing many glorious parts. Television work includes series Within These Walls, Shadow of the Noose, The Flockton Flyer, The Bill and several plays for Today. With her one woman plays she has toured many parts of the world. This is the third time Illona has played Margaret for Arts Uplift.
Madhav Vasantha
Playing Graham, Charlie and Aunty Edie
Madhav grew up in Bangalore, India and has lived and worked in the States and the UK since then. His recent credits include The Vanishing Elephant which premiered at the New Victory Theatre getting the NY Times Critics Choice followed by a tour of the UK and USA. Among his other theatre credits are Rajesh & Naresh, Lost souls, Pericles and The Tempest. He was also one of the Sketch Ensemble cast with the award winning (RTS 2020/21 Best Entertainment Programme) TV show Crackerjack (CBBC & BBC one) which can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
Navigating Margaret has been made possible by the following sponsors and partners
Our creative wellbeing courses are designed to help adults find ways of managing stress and improving mental-wellbeing. In a supportive group setting, you’ll learn to express your feelings and thoughts through music, singing and creative writing.
Led by experienced choir leader Claire Fowler. These small group sessions will help to boost your mood as you sing to familiar songs together. This choir is suitable for beginners and you don’t need to be a brilliant singer just the willingness to have a go!
There is lots of evidence that singing together can help with low mood, anxiety and depression.
What you can expect to learn:
Gain a better understanding of how singing can benefit your well-being.
Feel more confident about singing in a group and learn breathing and singing techniques to help you.
Meet new people and have peer to peer support.
Singing for wellbeing is aimed at adults across Warwickshire & Coventry looking to find creative coping strategies that can improve mental wellbeing.
For further information email info@artsuplift.co.uk or call on 01926 504 212
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Creative Writing for Wellbeing
Discover the power of writing to improve your wellbeing
Course tutor: Tristan Jackson-Pate
Join our FREE online adult creative writing workshops led by Tristan Jackson-Pate. Discover your voice, craft compelling stories, and connect with others in a supportive community. Open to Coventry and Warwickshire residents who are looking to find coping strategies and improve mental well-being.
Mondays 7-8.30pm online via Zoom
Course 1: (Via Zoom) 13 January, 3 February, 3 March, 28 April, 19 May, 16 June, 14 July, 11 August 2025
Course 2: September 22, 29, October 6,13,20, November 3,10,17,24, December 1 – Booking OPEN
This creative writing group, led by writer and theatre maker Tristan Jackson-Pate alongside an Arts Uplift volunteer will focus on the ways we craft stories, in a relaxed online group setting. Participants can access the exercises in a variety of ways and enjoy the support of the group as they develop their ideas. Though sessions will primarily look at dramatic writing for theatre or film, the exercises and discussions had will be relevant to all forms of storytelling, whether you want to write a novel, or a poetry collection. We will cover:
Where stories come from
Story structure
Character creation
Finding the meaning
Exploring form
Plotting
Redrafting
And of course, how not to become blocked in your creativity! The aim is to provide chances to learn, create, and collaborate, in an inclusive, no pressure environment.
What you can expect to learn:
A better understanding about how creative writing can benefit your well-being.
More confidence about creative writing and different techniques that can be used to improve your well-being
Meet new people and have peer to peer support
For further information email info@artsuplift.co.uk or call on 01926 504 212
The inside stories creative writing group has just released an exciting new eBook featuring a vibrant collection of poems and stories from our course participants, representing a rich diversity of backgrounds and heritages. Download your copy today to experience the captivating power of their words and perspectives.
Previous creative writing from past courses are HERE 2023 and HERE 2024
Song Writing for Wellbeing
Feeling low? Put a song in your heart. Better still write one!
Discover the power of song writing to enhance your wellbeing. Join experienced musician Martin Riley for these FREE songwriting workshops designed to help adults
Course Tutor Martin Riley
Find creative ways of managing stress and improving mental-wellbeing.
COURSE DETAILS
Online course from 10 April – Thursdays 7-8.30pm – 9 Monthly sessions
Online – 10 April, 8 May, 12 June, 17 July, 14 Aug, 11 Sept, 16 Oct, 13 Nov, 11 Dec
Bookings are now closed through the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy but you can book with us info@artsuplift.co.uk we are still taking participants.
Inside Stories – creative courses for wellbeing are delivered in partnership with the Recovery & Wellbeing Academy from March to December 2024.
Inside Stories sessions have been funded by the following organisations:
Song Writing – National Lottery Community Fund and Rugby Benevolent Fund
Singing for Wellbeing – National Lottery Community Fund and Leamington Town Council
Creative Writing – National Lottery Community Fund
Singing for Well-Being is suitable for people looking to find coping strategies and improve mental well-being.
FREE singing workshops led by experienced choir leader Claire Fowler. These small group sessions will help to boost your mood as you sing to familiar songs together. This choir is suitable for beginners and you don’t need to be a brilliant singer just the willingness to have a go!
There is lots of evidence that singing together can help with low mood, anxiety and depression. There will be a chance to socialise afterwards and support each other over refreshments.
Singing for wellbeing is a partnership between the SYDNI Centre and Arts Uplift CIC
What you will learn
Gain a better understanding about how singing can benefit your well-being.
Feel more confident about singing in a group and learn breathing and singing techniques to help you.
To meet new people and have peer to peer support.
Aimed at: Adults across Warwickshire & Coventry looking to find creative coping strategies that can improve mental wellbeing.
We’re excited to announce we are in the customer vote for a Tesco Stronger Starts. It’s a scheme which gives community projects like us grants of up to £1,500. Tesco customers can vote from the start of October in the following Rugby, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Alcester Tesco stores:
Voting opens at the start of October and closes in the middle of January 2025
The Projects
Rugby
Funds will be used to provide Songwriting for Wellbeing workshops in Rugby
Free, uplifting, weekly song-writing courses for adults in Rugby looking to improve their mental wellbeing. The workshops help people connect with others and help people to discover the art of song writing to express feelings.
Alcester
Funds will be used for our Ageing Well Singing sessions
Free interactive weekly singing sessions for older people aged 65 years and above in Alcester in a safe and welcoming environment. Dementia-friendly. No experience necessary.
Voting
Tesco customers can vote by collecting a token when making a purchase from the checkout. Use it to vote for Arts Uplift on the way out of the store.
The project with the highest number of votes across the region will receive £1,500, the second placed project £1,000 and the third placed project £500.
Your votes really count so please support us next time you shop at Tesco!
We are thrilled to announce Navigating Margaret 2024 Rehearsed Readings, a summer initiative funded by Arts Council England and the Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire Fund. This exciting project will see the development of a brand-new dementia awareness play, Navigating Margaret, ahead of a full-scale tour in Autumn 2025.
A Story of Resilience and Awareness
Navigating Margaret is a powerful and moving theatrical production inspired by real-life experiences. Based on stories gathered from Arts Uplift’s successful Suitcase Stories project, the play delves into the journey of a Worcestershire woman living with Alzheimer’s dementia, exploring its impact on both her and her family.
The story unfolds uniquely, weaving together Margaret’s remarkable past as one of Worcestershire’s first female pilots with her present-day struggles. With a touch of fairy-tale magic, the play uses text, movement, and music to create a captivating blend of realism and abstraction. Four talented actors will bring the story to life, raising crucial awareness about dementia, a condition affecting 1 in 14 adults over 65.
Jenny Davis, Executive Director of Arts Uplift, says, “We are thrilled to be bringing this rehearsed reading of the play to Coventry and Warwickshire after such an overwhelmingly wonderful response to the play last time in Malvern, with an addition this time of some informative dementia awareness training. We are bringing some new actors into the company, which is exciting, and they have a challenge ahead of them playing multiple characters. We look forward to hearing people’s feedback and weaving this into the next stage.”
The four actors in Navigating Margaret
Be Part of the Development Process!
Join Arts Uplift for the Navigating Margaret 2024 Rehearsed Readings taking place at:
11am on 12th July at St Peter’s Apostle Church, Leamington Spa (a BSL performance)
15th July at St Paul’s Church, Foleshill, Coventry
18th July at Griff and Coton Sports & Miners Welfare, Nuneaton
These free rehearsed readings offer a unique opportunity to experience the play in its early stages. Four actors will perform a script-in-hand version with props, costumes, and music. Your feedback is invaluable! Following the reading, there will be a 30-minute session to share your thoughts and help shape the final production.
Deepen Your Understanding with Interactive Training
Following the morning session, Arts Uplift invites you to an optional dementia awareness training workshop from 2.30 to 4.30 pm. This free, two-hour interactive session is inspired by forum theatre practices, where audience participation actively influences the performance. Through excerpts from the show, discussions, and engaging activities, the workshop will provide practical tools and a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
The training is perfect for:
Carers and loved ones of people living with dementia
Care staff
Individuals interested in learning more about dementia
People with early-stage dementia seeking an interactive learning experience
The rehearsed reading is two hours long with an intermission and feedback session. All venues are fully accessible.
Space for the dementia awareness training is limited to 3 participants per session. To book your spot or inquire about larger group bookings, please contact info@artsuplift.co.uk.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vital conversation and witness the development of a powerful new play!
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