by Arts Uplift
2024 REWIND 1970S WORKSHOPS
On September 23 2024, Arts Uplift and Sonrisa Arts delivered two creative workshops at the Fulbrook Centre, Oxford, as a pilot for Rewind 1970s: a health and heritage project that explores the heritage of 1970s Britain through the arts and reminiscence.
The workshops took place on two wards: City Community Hospital, a rehabilitation ward for older adults, and Sandford Ward, an older adult mental health inpatient ward. Service users from Cherwell Ward (older adult mental health inpatient ward), also joined the workshop on Sandford ward. The workshops were funded by Oxford City Council and supported by Oxford Health Arts Partnership and Arts Uplift.
The workshops were led by two highly experienced artists, a musician, Ant Kimber-McTiffen, and dance practitioner, Kath Kimber-McTiffen, who offered an inclusive, person-centred approach throughout the workshop, spending time talking to patients about their preferences, musical tastes, and memories of the 1970s, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
Patients and service users were asked how they felt using the happiness scale before and after the workshops; 100% either felt the same or were happier by the end of the workshop, with 84% suggesting they felt happier than they had been by the end of the workshops. Additionally, national evidence suggests that creative sessions like music and dance workshops can improve mood and reduce anxiety levels among patients, as well as encouraging increased social interaction and a sense of community within the hospital.
Music has also been shown to have a positive impact on perception of pain and overall well-being, contributing to a holistic approach to patient care. We know from anecdotal evidence from staff that patients request less pain medication when they are engaged in creative sessions.
Workshop Feedback
| Comments from patients and service users |
Comments from staff |
Comments from artists |
| ” It was just what I needed; I could do it every day.” |
“Its been a difficult morning and this has cheered everyone up” |
“It was fantastic to see how much recall people had from the 1970’s and hear all their stories and memories” |
| “This has given me such a boost and cheered up my morning.” |
“I needed that, I was stressed” |
“Great that staff were so enthusiastic and joined in the workshops, it made the atmosphere with the patients really lively, positive and motivating” |
| “It reminded me of good memories” |
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2023 PROJECT REWIND 1970S
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Postcode Local Trust and Barchester Charitable Foundation Arts Uplift and Sonrisa Arts have joined together in an exciting project called ‘Rewind: 1970’s’: capturing a generation through the arts’, a community arts and heritage project in Coventry and Warwickshire.
We have been delivering 6 fun workshops in care homes, dementia cafes and older people’s friendship groups across Coventry and Warwickshire where we used creative dance, movement, music, reminiscence and popular culture from the 1970’s to inspire the participants to tell their personal stories and memories of growing up in the 1970’s. We have then created a dementia friendly scrap book from the memories which is printed and is available in various libraries across Coventry and Warwickshire and also available online HERE Read our evaluation report HERE
In phase 2 we created a fantastic dance and music show based on these memories and the memories of others groups stories which we performed to the groups that participated with 3 professional artists.
Tuesday 26 September 10.30 am Ettington Lodge 3pm Cedar Lodge care home
Wednesday 27 September 11am Meadow View care home 3pm Galanos House
Tuesday 3 October 10.30am Canley Age Uk Friendship Group 2.30pm Moat House Community Trust Tea&Chat
Wednesday 4 October 10.30am Cubbington Mill care home 3pm Holy Trinity Church, Nuneaton
Rewind: 1970’s
Dust off your flares and platform boots!
Rewind:1970’s, is inspired by real stories and memories of local Coventry and Warwickshire residents who lived through the 1970’s. All woven into a highly entertaining dance and music show celebrating the best and the worst of the decade.
What did you do when school was out for summer? Were you a dancing queen regular at The Locarno? An Angel Delight or a fruit and nutcase?
Rewind:1970’s gives more than a nod to the hit parade, disco dancing to YMCA, glamming it up to Get it On, punk rebellion to I fought the law and many more…..
Aimed at older adults, this fun interactive show will take you back to re-live your youth…
Rewind: 1970’s Creative Team
Movement Director: Kath Kimber-McTiffen
Musical Director, song arrangements & composer: Anthony Kimber-McTiffen
Set & Costume Design: Kirsty Harris
Creative Producer: Jenny Davis
Performers: Katie Albon, Anthony Kimber-McTiffen, Kath Kimber-McTiffen
Trailer
by Arts Uplift
DONATE NOW TO HELP US TAKE NAVIGATING MARGARET ON TOUR
In Autumn 2025 we will be taking our dementia awareness play Navigating Margaret and its associated training and music/movement workshops on tour across Coventry, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
Based on real-life stories 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 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). The script will be rehearsed fully over 3.5 weeks with 4 actors developing its full potential with slight changes to the script to incorporate South Asian culture through the character of Graham.
A Question and Answer session will follow each show with a panel of dementia experts, members of the cast and the Director. This will enable the audience to explore the subject matter and the creative journey. Local dementia support information leaflets will be available for each audience member.
Who should see the play
The play and associated dementia workshops are suitable for older people (including South Asian), professional care staff, NHS workers, health students, volunteers, carers and family members, people with early stage dementia, theatre goers, the Deaf community, and anyone generally interested in dementia.
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.”
The training
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.
The workshops
Lively participatory music or movement to music workshops for people affected by dementia (all stages). These harness the creative power of music playing and movement and incorporate a variety of styles and eras. Participants are invited to move (seated or standing), sing along and or play percussion to familiar songs. The content will be culturally relevant to the group that is receiving the workshop e.g. South Asian dance for Ekta Unity group of elders.
Listen to Jenny on BBC Sounds
Sponsorship Opportunity for local businesses
Could your company benefit from aligning itself with Navigating Margaret and its objectives? Would you like to reach the following audiences with your marketing?
Navigating Margaret target audiences
Older people (including South Asian), professional care staff, NHS workers, health students, carers and family members, people with early stage dementia, theatre goers, the deaf community, and anyone generally interested in dementia.
Target geographic areas
Coventry, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire.
By sponsoring “Navigating Margaret,” your company can significantly elevate its profile and demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility. Our play offers a unique platform to reach a diverse audience, including individuals with dementia, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Your brand will be prominently featured on our website, marketing materials, social media channels, and press releases, ensuring maximum visibility and positive association with a cause that resonates with many. This strategic partnership will not only enhance your brand reputation but also positions your company as a compassionate and forward-thinking organisation.
We have a variety of packages to suit your requirements/budget . To discuss this opportunity contact Jenny Davis jenny@artsuplift.co.uk 07946 585978
Bookable Outreach Activities to accompany the play
| Workshop 1:
Dementia Awareness – Unleash the Power of Understanding – 2 hour interactive dementia awareness workshop
Are you ready to gain practical insights into dementia, care strategies, and risk reduction? Join our engaging workshop designed for adults, carers, care staff, and individuals in the early stages 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 behaviors.
Suitable for groups of 12-15 people. (Contact us if you have more than this in your group) Price £730
Hear what our participants have to say:
“Absolutely brilliant”
“Very informative and great that it got people physically involved”
For further information or to book contact Jenny at Jenny@artsuplift.co.uk |
Workshop 2:
Music and Movement for Well-being – 1 hour workshop for older adults and people living with dementiaExperience the transformative power of music and movement in this uplifting workshop designed for older adults, people living with dementia, and their carers.
What to Expect:
- Familiar Tunes: Sing along to beloved songs that evoke nostalgia and positive emotions.
- Rhythmic Engagement: Play drums or move to familiar music, tailored to individual abilities and preferences.
- Seated Options Available: Participate comfortably, regardless of mobility.
Price: £140
For further information or to book contact Jenny at Jenny@artsuplift.co.uk
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Navigating Margaret – The Trailer
Play description
A powerful and moving theatrical production inspired by real-life experiences of people living with dementia and their carers from Worcestershire.
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.
Once a quick-witted female pilot, Margaret is getting increasingly forgetful and erratic, so her son encourages her to get a diagnosis. A familiar story perhaps, but Margaret’s ensuing journey through stages of dementia is anything but pedestrian. The action flashes back and forth between her family struggling to cope with her gradual changes and the tangled memories of her earlier life. Her 1950’s childhood in her family’s launderette, working at the carpet factory, courting Charlie at tea dances, and becoming one of the first airwomen in Worcestershire.
With a touch of fairy-tale magic, the play uses text, movement, and original contemporary music to create a captivating blend of realism and abstraction. Four talented actors will bring the story to life, raising crucial awareness about dementia.
The Navigating Margaret Tour and associated workshops have been supported by Postcode Local Trust
R&D Rehearsed Readings of the play – Summer 2024
The rehearsed readings of the R&D stage of Navigating Margaret are now complete. Using 4 actors this took place during the Summer of 2024 with the aim of developing the show in Coventry and Warwickshire and improving awareness of dementia and its impact on the individual and family members through the delivery of dementia awareness training.
| Watch the Rehearsed Reading of Navigating Margaret from August 2024
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Find out what the audience said about the Rehearsed Reading
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CREATIVE TEAM
Writer/Director Helen Tennison
Designer Zahra Mansouri
Stage Manager Hannah Fenwick
Music Matt Eaton
Producer Jenny Davis |
Actors
Illona Linthwaite
Eliza Thompson
Tuhin Chisti
Lucinda LLoyd |
Meet the cast
Eliza Ann Thompson
Playing Young Margaret and Dani
Eliza Ann is a 22 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 rendition of Navigating Margaret with ArtsUplift. She is now returning as Young Margaret and Dani, in the R&D version of Navigating Margaret – The Tour (2024). 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.
Illona Linthwaite
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.
Tuhin is really pleased to be cast as Graham, Charlie and Aunt Edie in Navigating Margaret. This is a project close to his heart, particularly as he cared for his father who recently passed after living with dementia for many years.
Tuhin trained at Drama Studio London, graduating in 2019. Theatre credits include playing Raj the shop keeper in David Walliam’s Billionaire Boy with Birmingham Stage Co, directed by Neal Foster, touring across the UK in 2022. He played Tony, a New York drug dealer in Project Runway, directed by Suniya Qureshi at the Steiner House Theatre in London. Antonio in A Merchant of Venice directed by Bill Alexander at the Grange Court Theatre. Mac the tramp in a new writing piece by Lucy Bell called Billy, directed by Brendan Murray at The Soho Theatre. Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Jonathan Kemp at The Grange Court Theatre. Al Singh in The Grand Gesture, directed by Sue Dunderdale at The Bunker Theatre. His favourite role to date was playing Mr Naidu and various members of the ensemble in Around The World in 80 Days, directed by Jenny Eastop at Drayton Arms Theatre in Chelsea.
Being on stage has been a life long dream for Tuhin, and he would never have had the courage to pursue it without the support of his beautiful wife and three loving children.
Dementia awareness training details – that accompanies the play
As part of the tour of Navigating Margaret we will be offering a 2 hour fun interactive accessible workshop based on the play. The actors will perform some excerpts from the show and discussion and activity will be based on this. Inspired by Forum Theatre practices ( the engagement of spectators influencing and engaging with the performance with the power to stop and change the performance outcomes for the positive). This workshop is a practical introduction to Alzheimers and dementia care. There are low pressure role play opportunities (only if you want to), practical explorations and games to build an actionable understanding of dementia and dementia care.
Suitable for Adults such as carers/loved ones of those living with dementia, care staff, people interested in finding out more about dementia, people with early stage dementia that want a fun, interactive way of learning!
Funders
The Research & Development on Navigating Margaret has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England and the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Fund, amongst others, with a plan to tour it next Autumn 2025!
Based on real-life stories gathered from Arts Uplift’s successful Suitcase Stories project in partnership with Museums Worcestershire, Navigating Margaret, is an exciting, diverse and high quality theatre production about a Worcestershire woman’s journey living with Alzheimers 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 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).
Audiences said
“It was exceptional- everyone should see it! I laughed and cried. The humility and tender representation was mind-blowing.”
“Great acting and excellently thought through script/lighting/music etc”
“It needs to go on tour”
“It was charming and poignant and so beautifully detailed, real emotional lift. Thank you”
“Thank you for sharing, it was so lovely and really touched my heart on the impact of dementia.”
“So pleased to give an outstanding review of Navigating Margaret by @arts_uplift Fingers crossed we haven’t seen the end of this creative, emotional and heart-warming production”
The original production was performed at Malvern Cube in Worcestershire with a cast of professional and community actors for 3 shows ONLY, Friday 24 and 2 shows on Saturday 25 March 2023 (relaxed performance 2pm) 2023. Written and directed by Helen Tennison, an International Director, the show beautifully brings to the stage the rich stories collected from Worcestershire residents, living with dementia and their carers. See PAST PROJECTS for more information about the Malvern show.
Writer/Director Helen Tennison
Design by Zahra Mansouri
Sound by Matt Eaton
Lighting design by Dan Parry
Producer Arts Uplift Jenny Davis
Watch the performance at Malvern Cube
Below are some photos from the original show – photographer Keiko Ikeuchi
by Caroline Barnes
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:
Rugby
- Large Tesco, Leicester Road, CV21 1RG
- Tesco Express, Murray Road, CV21 1RG
- Tesco Express, Bilton, CV22 7ND
- Tesco Express, Helvellyn Way, Brownsover, CV21 1LT
Stratford-Upon-Avon
- Large Tesco, Birmingham Rd, CV37 0UA
- Tesco Express, CV37 6AD
- Tesco Express, Banbury Road, CV37 7HW
Alcester
Tesco Express, Kinwrtn Road,, B49 6AA
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!
You can find out more about Tesco Stronger Starts by visiting TESCO STRONGER STARTS
Thank you
by Caroline Barnes
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!
For more information and booking, visit: https://www.artsuplift.co.uk/navigating-margaret-the-tour/
Further Information: please reach out to Jenny at jenny@artsuplift.co.uk or call 07946 585978.
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.
