Towards the end of 2024, five London based Dementia Friends Ambassadors attended the Apollo Theatre for a rehearsed reading of This All About - a 'funny sad play' about dementia. The play, written by actors Kate Russell-Smith and Simon Snashall, with support from Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Inspire Fund, is a personal story about cognitive decline and is ‘for everyone everywhere, who finds themselves affected by dementia’.
A highlight of the night included Simon Snashall delivering a shortened version of the bookcase analogy in his welcome address to the audience. He said this had a huge impact on the way both he and Kate, whose family has been affected by dementia, understood the condition. The event also had a focus on fundraising, and audience members were encouraged to donate on the night with the funds raised split between Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The Dementia Friends team has been working in partnership with the Apollo Theatre, to run Dementia Friends Information Sessions for staff. A special mention goes to Ambassador Fred who ran a session at the Apollo Theatre a few days before the This All About reading.
Jessica Hubbard, Dementia Friends Engagement Officer for London and the South East, said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I’m so glad that some of our Ambassadors could be in attendance. The arts has a powerful way of shining a light on topics that Society may shy away from or not usually talk about, like dementia.”
“The play addresses some of the most difficult challenges associated with dementia with sensitivity, but also humour. The cast did a wonderful job of capturing the complicated emotions experienced by people living with dementia, their family and carers. I’m delighted that the Apollo Theatre is making its staff Dementia Friends, and I look forward to continuing this work.
My thanks go to our Dementia Friends Ambassadors, without whom this would not be possible.”
Michael Bond, Theatre Manager at the Apollo told us: "Having utilised Dementia Friends sessions in five of my previous venues I was delighted to introduce them to the Apollo Team. The session has built the teams confidence and given us a better understanding into why some of our audience behave the way they do and we can now facilitate lots more people coming to the theatre. Fred was so well received by the team and just the right level to be engaging and impactful."
