Comical and Inspirational Older Citizens say "We're Still Here!"

Age

Re-Live

Chapter Arts Centre, Theatre

Friday 14^th June 2013

No matter how much we may complain when our grandparents decide to tell us all about the good old days AGAIN, I’m sure I’m not the only one who secretly enjoys hearing the tales of their youth. In an astounding display of bravery ten older people have decided to share their very best and worst moments with a room full of strangers. But this production was not about harking back to the good old days, rather these aging and opinionated members of our community wanted to say “we’re still here!”

Terri Morrow bravely opened the show, telling us that making love is much more enjoyable at the age of 70 as she now has no hang ups about her body and is no longer worried about scoring a good performance. She asks why are sex and relationships such taboo subjects when it comes to older people – why is the idea comedic or repulsive? This funny yet serious opening set the tone for the whole show in which the group narrated their lives, shared their fears and voiced their bugbears.

The group of performers came from all walks of life; from an opera singer to a marathon runner; and all had a unique and fascinating story to share. Against the backdrop of a huge yellow sun and accompanied by a four piece band the elders bare all and explain how they reached their “mid-life crisis” at the age of 65. The sun is not setting on their lives, rather their retirement has provided new opportunities and challenges that they are facing head on. If an 86 year old is still able to fly to Australia to visit his family what else do you need to inspire you to live your dreams and make the most of life?

 

Poster by: Garry Bartlett

In a particularly poignant sequence each performer got the audiences’ attention by hitting a drum then told us what they hate. Ranging from the comical, “why can’t they make pills that taste of chocolate?”, to the political “when will the government decide if we can or can’t have free bus passes?”, to the downright horrific things that we all detest such as “abuse in care homes.” It quickly became clear that these mature citizens were still of value to our communities and they shouldn’t just be put in the corner with a cup of tea and a biscuit. They still have valid opinions and if we just ask them they may have the perfect solutions.

Please don’t miss another unforgettable evening from the Re-Live team who are constantly striving to bring forgotten and overlooked members of our communities to the forefront of our minds. This completely new approach to theatre making not only gave the performers a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and perform onstage but it will also challenge your views towards the elderly and will definitely leave you with a smile on your face. Inspirational, emotional and unforgettable.

Age will also be showing at Chapter tonight at 7.30pm – don’t miss out!

I would love to say something about each and every member of this wonderful company but 1. I don't have the space and 2. I don't want to spoil their wonderful insights and memories for anyone who may go to the show tonight.

Company: Marilyn Ankin, Lynette Baxter, David Carter, Jeanette Carter, Nicky Delgado, Marianne Harman, Terri Morrow, Julian Moyle, Jean O'Grady, Max Scott-Cook.

Please visit the Re-Live website for more information on what they do and to find out how you can get involved with their training days: http://www.re-live.org.uk

For more reviews: www.hypercriticreviews.blogspot.com