Written by Nicky Bellenger, Everywhere is the result of a creative and compassionate collaboration between Nicky, attendees to Derby Theatre and Universal Services for Carers’ ‘Carers’ Café’ and members of Derby Theatre’s Youth Theatre. Since its inception, the piece and process has embraced and included ideas, insights, script developments and consultations through all those involved, including those living with dementia and their carers, plus a rehearsed read-through by Derby Theatre’s Youth Theatre.
Everywhere is a play for young people to perform, to explore and shine a light on dementia through a sensitive and creative platform, it is also intended as a resource for all ages to support a greater understanding of the disease.
Due to the subject matter and themes explored, we wanted, and felt it appropriate, to launch Everywhere on World Alzheimer’s Day (Thursday 21 September) as part of World Alzheimer’s Month.
Writer Nicky says: “This project has been very close to my heart. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a special group of people living with dementia, carers and young theatre makers; all of whom have generously given valuable guidance, ideas and insight, to help shape the final play into what it is today. I hope schools and youth theatres enjoy performing it and I hope it helps to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding dementia.”
Sarah Brigham (Artistic Director and CEO, Derby Theatre) said:
“We are incredibly proud of this play which we have supported through our Carers’ Cafe (a café which supports those living with, and those caring for people with, dementia) and our Youth Theatre. Nicky‘s innovative approach to developing this play with both groups means she has created a play script which, not only sensitively deals with the issues of young people’s experience of dementia, but is also a relevant and exciting piece of youth theatre for young people to perform. I look forward to seeing productions of this spring up across the country and am proud that through doing so, we will be raising awareness of dementia.”
Kuljit Tambur |Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Universal Services for Carers in Derby) said:
“We are thrilled to have been a part of the creation of Everywhere through the joint hosting of the Carers’ Café. Our welcome to anyone who joins us is simple: “let’s have a chat and a cuppa”. The Café is not just a place to find help and advice in an informal and relaxed environment, but, through Nicky’s leading and facilitation of the sessions, they provide an inspiring place for the carers and their cared for an opportunity to share ideas, information and get involved in activities.”
Everywhere is FREE to access using the download button below.
Writer, Nicky Bellenger would love to hear about future productions of Everywhere and schools/youth theatres can email her at: nickybellenger@gmail.com.
In the creation of Everywhere, Nicky would also like to thank and acknowledge the following:
“Everywhere could not have been written without the care, commitment, and guidance of the members of the Carers’ Café at Derby Theatre who have advised on the content of the script from the very beginning of its creation. Heartfelt thanks to all members, and to Universal Services for Carers, who the café is delivered in partnership with. Thanks to the members of Derby Theatre’s Youth Theatre who, under the expert guidance of Simon Marshall, became incredibly invested dramaturgs and pushed an early draft of the play to a version I could not possibly have imagined alone. You give me hope. This level of co-creation would not have been possible without funding from Arts Council England. Thanks also to Talking Birds, who provided valuable free residency space during the research and development phase of the project. And sincere gratitude to Derby Theatre, who believed in the potential of this play from day one, investing funds, time, and space throughout its development. I am grateful that they continue to provide much needed support to people living with dementia and their loved ones through the Carers’ Café.”