A theatrical treat for Bexhill care home residents

The Dot Collective, formed in 2016, are a charity who create and perform theatre productions to those in care, proven to reduce isolation and create positive experiences for those living with dementia.

The professional team transformed the home’s cinema room into a pop-up theatre with the use of props, scenery, stage and lighting. The use of puppets, dance, movement and music immersed residents into the world of the play, bringing the aesthetics that you would expect to see when attending an actual theatre.

Adapted from the Brothers Grimm tale, the play tells the story of a failing shoemaker at Christmas time, who one morning wakes to find a pair of shoes, perfectly made sitting on his work bench. Each morning the same thing happens, helping his to make his fortune. A story about how hard work is rewarded.

The afternoon performance had a huge attendance from around 40 residents, as well as some previous respite residents and local stakeholders.

Residents and guests thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the experience with one resident, Jim saying “it was so wonderful to meet and watch the very best of performances, thoroughly wonderful!”

The Dot Collective also provide theatrical storytelling workshops to connect those in care with creative professionals to write new plays inspired by the memories of participants to raise a positive awareness of dementia through the arts.

Southlands Place Care Home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care on a permanent and short stay basis.If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more, search for Southlands Place or call the friendly team on freephone 0808 202 3303.