ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR E-DIARY OR GOOGLE CALENDAR
This site is part of the Siconnects Division of Sciinov Group
This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Sciinov Group and all copyright resides with them.
ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR E-DIARY OR GOOGLE CALENDAR
11 Feb, 2025
The interactive show - Silver Screen Sisters - uses the power of comedy, music, and movement to support people living with dementia has been designed to enhance the mental well-being of care home residents.
The initiative is part of the Black Mountains Comedy Festival’s 2025 programme and represents a significant innovation in dementia care.
Cardiff-based comedy performance group Kitsch n Sync were commissioned by the Festival, with support from Arts Council Wales, and worked closely with leading dementia and memory specialist Dr Gary Christopher to develop the show’s content.
Dr Christopher, from the School of Health and Social Care, provided expert guidance to ensure that the show is designed to support communication, reduce isolation, and enhance well-being among its audience members.
His research into the role of nostalgia in dementia care directly informs this initiative, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of revisiting familiar cultural moments through performance.
He said: “This project is a fantastic example of how the arts can positively impact the lives of people with dementia. By using elements of nostalgia, humour, and movement, the performance creates a shared experience that fosters connection, stimulates deeply personal memory, and improves mood.”
The production combines comedy, dance, and music, all carefully curated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It has just been performed successfully at six care homes across South Wales.
Dr Christopher says this work is particularly vital in light of the increasing prevalence of dementia and the growing need for innovative approaches to care that go beyond traditional models.
By incorporating comedy and live performance into dementia care, he feels Silver Screen Sisters demonstrate how creative interventions can foster emotional well-being and social interaction among residents, offering a much-needed alternative to more medicalized approaches.
Dr Christopher’s work highlights the potential of nostalgia-based interventions to create more meaningful and engaging experiences for people living with cognitive decline.