Now celebrating its sixth year of making a difference to the older people of Brighton, Hove and West Sussex, Age is a Stage has been busy bringing theatre back into people’s lives.
Age is a Stage workshops are led by Chris Cresswell, who has been teaching and performing in theatre, cabaret circus and film for over 40 years. He champions the vital role that comedy and theatre skills can play in developing and promoting healthy ageing, as well as combatting loneliness.
The weekly interactive drop-in drama workshops are held in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea where anyone aged over fifty is warmly welcome. Classes provide a creative outlet, encouraging playfulness and and forging new connections between participants. And not only that – theatre skills can help improve memory and mood in later life.
Research has shown that participating in the arts can improve health, wellbeing and independence in older adults. Because theatre skills involve the mind, emotions and the body, they can also boost problem-solving and even brain power, too. Theatre skills involve working together, so can foster a sense of belonging, boost self-esteem and confidence, and reduce anxiety.
Chris says, ‘It’s great to see participants gain in confidence, particularly in public speaking or in everyday interactions. We’re addressing issues of loneliness and isolation, as well as creating communities for people who may have lost friends and partners and don’t know how to reach out for new connections.’
As Brighton member Carmel puts it, ‘I think it’s like being a child again. I’ve never acted, never done anything like this before. But I come in here and leave feeling really happy.’
Shoreham member Sue adds, ‘It’s been the most inspiring experience I’ve had since I gave up my career. I’ve found myself again and I can be me!’
Many people coming along to the workshops for the first time feel apprehensive, but as classes are a friendly, safe space, with no experience needed, it isn’t long before they’re hooked.
Chris adds, ‘I feel drama is important for older adults because it gives them a chance to contact their inner child, and to rediscover the joy of play and using their imagination. It gives them permission to explore aspects of themselves that they might normally keep hidden.’
Brighton classes are held on Fridays at 11am at the Theatre Royal, with sessions often held on the theatre’s grandiose stage, while The Ropetackle Arts Centre hosts the Shoreham class at 10.30am on Tuesdays. New members are most welcome, so if you’ve always fancied stepping out onto the stage, why not come along?
Building on the success of the weekly workshops and featuring class members, Age is a Stage will be performing a brand-new show for 2024, The Insurrection Shuffle. It will take place at the BOSCO Theatre at the Spiegeltent in Brighton on 9th and 30th May. The show, with a troupe of eager older stagers, conjures up a rich and absurd world and invites you to play. With Chris Cresswell’s well-honed brand of chaos, it promises to be crammed with the comedy sketches that make Age is a Stage so much fun, alongside a good dash of mirth and mayhem.
As Chris sums up, ‘The thing I enjoy most about what we do is when people tell me what a difference Age is a Stage has made to their lives. I love to inspire people to go beyond their normal.’
If you are interested in stepping into the limelight, Find out more at www.ageisastage.co.uk
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