The crucible theatre will host the final performance of the ‘Friends of the Seven Hills’ intergenerational dementia friendly choir this afternoon.
After a successful 10 weeks of practise, at 1.30pm this afternoon the choir will perform for one last time in front of an audience of invited family and friends on the Lyceum stage.
Mr. Paul Whitley, access and sales supervisor at Sheffield Theatres, said:
“Sheffield Theatres is a dementia-friendly organisation, and Sheffield is working towards being a dementia-friendly city. We’ve run other dementia-friendly projects that have an element of performance, but this choir project is our most ambitious one yet.”
Over the course of six years, Sheffield Theatres has offered a range of activities at the iconic Crucible venue for an intergenerational & dementia friendly audience including a monthly ‘tea dance’.
Mr Whitley said:
“Singing and music can be hugely beneficial to lift moods and unlock happy memories. We see lots of smiles every week. Someone who may have had a bad morning or is feeling a bit low, can come to the choir to sing and gain a real boost to lift their mood.”
Singing a set list of songs chosen by the group, the choir incorporates a selection of universally known tunes appropriate for both its members living with dementia and younger singers aged 10-14.
Mr Whitley said:
“One of the real joys of being with the group has been seeing the relationships flourish between the young people and the choir members living with dementia.
The younger members have all been given the opportunity to receive training on how dementia can affect people, and given tips on how to best communicate with someone living with dementia.”
The group was inspired by another dementia choir based in Nottingham who assisted Sheffield Theatres with the planning of the project. The organisers hope that the choir members have built friendships that will continue long after the performance this afternoon.
