Stockport artist Mark Croasdale brings their immersive, warm and joyful theatre show ‘Barbara’ to The Edge, Chorlton, on 23rd & 24th June.
Featuring performances, songs around the piano, and crumpets, the show is inspired by Mark’s own relationship with their grandmother and questions what it means to care for someone you love when they lose their way.
Originally conceived by Mark Croasdale, ‘Barbara’ began its life being workshopped by Mark and musician Tom Guest as part of Hope Mill Theatre’s
Turn On Fest in 2020, before the pandemic brought the world to a halt. Now, three years later, ‘Barbara’ will be developed as a full-length immersive show this June, thanks to funding from Arts Council England and support from The Edge Theatre in Chorlton, and Manchester’s Contact Theatre.
‘Barbara’ is an immersive theatrical experience that sensitively explores the subject of dementia through the lens of how we care for those we love when they lose their way, and how we care for ourselves. The show’s concept was inspired by Mark’s own shifting relationship with their grandmother (the real life Barbara) as she experienced dementia, and through hindsight of how things may have been different had Mark understood and felt equipped to navigate what she was going through.
More than 920,000 people in the UK are living with dementia with around 700,000 providing informal, unpaid care for a family member or close friend living with dementia. Whether directly or indirectly, it is a condition that is likely to, at some point, affect all of us. And yet our experiences and interactions with this illness can feel incredibly isolating.
Whilst the subject matter may seem heavy, Mark is determined that the show will be uplifting and joyful. Within the show Mark will play the titular Barbara (accompanied and supported by her ivory-tinkling husband Bernard, played by Tom Guest) as she invites audiences to one of her legendary candle-lit suppers and a sing-song around the piano. By evoking the hospitality of a bygone era, Mark creates an environment where audiences enjoy an intimate, warm and joyful experience where they can share their own experiences in a safe, friendly and supported way.
To support Mark and Tom in creating the show they are working with engagement artist Jenny Gaskell who specialises in using conversation as an artform for bringing people together. Mark and the team will also be working in partnership with the University of Salford’s Institute for Dementia and Manchester immersive arts organisation Made by Mortals who will all provide research, consultation and mentorship.
Through the power of art, community and research, ‘Barbara’ will show us how we can “talk well about dementia.”
Tickets can be purchased at www.edgetheatre.co.uk/barbara or by calling 0161 282 9776.
Find out more about Mark Croasdale and ‘Barbara’ on www.markcroasdale.com/barbara
