00:00A theatre production created by and for people living in care homes is spreading joy and
00:05goodwill this Christmas.
00:07The reason really was to bring some joy, some entertainment and to remind those older people
00:15that they're not being forgotten.
00:17That theatre group have been working with residents living with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's
00:21and dementia across Merseyside to produce the show before taking it out on tour across
00:26care homes.
00:27We went to 11 care homes and we had conversations with over 100 people, most of whom are living
00:35with dementia or some neurological neurodegenerative disease.
00:40So throughout the show year the voices of over 100 people who are telling the story,
00:45they write the script and then the actors enact those pieces either through choreography
00:52or mime.
00:53I can honestly say I've had an absolutely fabulous time and I'll remember this day for
00:59as long as ever.
01:00I just can't put into words, I feel so excited.
01:06I didn't know what to expect but it's really good and yeah, done everything.
01:13Producer Peter Ward was inspired by his partner Graham Phillips, renowned artistic director
01:17of the Unity Theatre, who moved into a care home during the pandemic.
01:21That was at a time when relatives used to visit their loved ones and look through the
01:26window.
01:27I used to get very angry at the politicians, I used to get very upset and I thought well
01:36don't just get angry at the TV and these people, do something about it.
01:40So I put my 35 years of working in theatre to some good use.
01:46Arts Council England is financially supporting the project but they require much funding
01:50to be able to tour the show and deliver regular activities in care homes.
01:53So the team are crowdfunding to bring Winter Wonderland to as many as possible.
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