Actors help recount Warwickshire World War memories
Older people from a Warwickshire County Council Care Home in Warwick, spent a day reminiscing about their World War II memories as part of a special theatre project, funded through the Warwick International Festival.
The three week festival, which ended on Sunday July 12th, included dozens of community events, and the theatre production at Park View Care home was just one of them.
RagRoof Theatre Company, based in Brighton, spent a day with ten residents at Park View, reminiscing and sharing memories of World War II.
The theatre company then reinterpreted the memories and wove them into a 30 minute musical production, which they then performed to residents, staff, family and friends.
Resident, Peggy Hickmott said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic experience and has bought back so many wonderful memories.”
Mona Pratt added: “It took me back to the ‘Pally’ days - the ‘Pally’ was a dancehall in Leamington where we met lots of American soldiers!”
Luan Blake, Artistic Director of RagRoof said the company enjoy working with peoples real life stories and weaving them into theatrical productions, she added that she was originally inspired by her own nan’s memories.
The event was funded by musical charity Armonica Consort Ltd, based in Warwick. Jamie Adam General Manager said: “We secured a £9000 grant through the ‘Awards for All Initiative’, part of the National Lottery fund which supports community projects, and we split the money between four local community groups, the theatre production being one of them.”
Annis Tombs, Manager of Park View, said: “We are so grateful to Armonica Consort and RagRoof Theatre Company, the whole experience has been fabulous for everyone involved. We are always looking to provide different opportunities and experiences for our residents and this is certainly one we will all remember.”