Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is showing a dementia-friendly version of its’ production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
It’s happening tomorrow afternoon and tickets are still available.
Priscilla has been running at Queen’s for nearly a month.
James Watson, from the theatre, tells Time 107.5 why it’s important for people in Havering to have a dementia-friendly show.
He said: “The dementia-friendly performance of Priscilla comes from a history of us generating dementia-friendly work here at Queen’s Theatre and it’s to enable the elderly generation in Havering, which has the oldest population of all the London boroughs, and to support theatre goers who may be living with dementia and find their regular attendance at the theatre to be more troublesome or difficult.
“So it’s to be able to accommodate greater access to the work that we are providing for the location we are situated in.”
So what’s different about the dementia-friendly version of Priscilla?
James explains.
He said: “It’s still the same show, that’s a core element to stress. You are still going to see the same show, but there are some slight tweaks to the production itself to make the atmosphere more all-encompassing and more comfortable for those patrons, so we will always keep the house lights on at a low level so there is always visibility for anyone who wants to move around the auditorium or who may need to come in or out of the performance while the attraction is running.
“We lower sound-levels and the production on stage will limit any of the special effects that might cause shock or upset, things like a strobe light or pyrotechnics. I don’t want to give too much away but we find alternative ways of staging those.
“Front of house we also put on some extra staff to support people coming in and out of the building, they are clearly visible,everyone wears a bright orange t-shirt so you easily spot someone that might be able to offer support. We also have a local awareness group with stands in the foyer if anyone wants more information, there is also a quiet chillout space that is seperated for people to go to.”
Tickets can be booked direct through the box office, by either going to Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch or calling them on 01708 44 33 33.
Tags: Hornchurch, Theatre, Entertainment, Queen's Theatre
