Partnership with Yvonne Arnaud

Yvonne Arnaud to deliver dementia-friendly panto performance in partnership with Age UK Surrey

To mark Dementia Awareness Week, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Age UK Surrey have announced a new partnership, which will see them collaborate on a dementia‑friendly performance of Sleeping Beauty on Friday, 8^th January 2027 at 1 pm. The Arnaud has presented dementia-friendly performances over several years and is delighted to be now working with Age UK Surrey to add even more value to the experience.

Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, with numbers continuing to rise as the population ages. According to the OHE (Office of Health Economics): In 2040, over 1.2 million people in the UK will have dementia - this is an increase in prevalence of 30% from 2022. Additionally, the likelihood of developing dementia, becoming an informal carer or both in a lifetime is 55% - approximately 1 in every 2 people.

In Surrey alone, thousands of individuals are living with the condition, alongside families and carers who are often navigating significant emotional and practical challenges. The Arnaud and Age UK Surrey are working to address these needs by offering dementia-friendly performances, starting with the panto in January 2027.

Age UK Surrey will provide dementia support leading up to the performance, and will be available on the day, connecting the theatre with its community of families, local care homes and the NHS. The partnership will also help to promote Age UK Surrey’s dementia support services. 

Age UK Surrey’s constantly expanding dementia support services include:

• Memory Lane at Home is our new service starting this week, bringing memory and dementia support to the comfort of your home. We focus on enhancing the well-being of individuals living with a dementia diagnosis or memory challenges, while simultaneously providing family carers with a reliable, much-needed break from their caring duties. FIND OUT MORE
  
  
• Memory Lane, our MCST sessions are available in 3 locations – Ash, Milford and Mytchett. MCST is a weekly programme for people living with mild to moderate dementia. Group members take part in meaningful and stimulating conversations and activities, proven to help maintain memory and mental functioning. The groups provide a friendly and supportive environment where people can build new connections.
  
  
• Our Memory and Friendship Groups are now available in 4 locations in Surrey – Ash, Milford, Mytchett and Ripley. They offer a warm, welcoming, safe space and a chance to socialise for people with memory loss and their carers. The sessions are filled with activities, information sharing and visits from local services.
  
  
• Age UK Surrey’s 10-3 Club is held at the Clockhouse in Milford, providing a warm and welcoming respite service for older people living with dementia. Guests can enjoy a varied day with the option to take part in a range of stimulating activities. A two-course lunch is included. Our caring team are available throughout the day to provide support. FIND OUT MORE.

Some of the changes to the theatre for a dementia-friendly performance will include:

Onstage:

• No sudden/loud sounds
• No strobe/flashing lights
• No audience interaction
• No pyrotechnics
• The house lights are kept on at low levels throughout the performance.
• A short recap of the story so far takes place at the top of Act 2.

Front of House:

• Front-of-house music is turned off; aim to keep noise levels to a minimum.
• Additional visual wayfinding signage placed across the building.
• Additional staff on hand.
• Ushers are asked to wear bright colours, rather than the usual black and white.
• A designated relaxation room is made available for audience members.

The two charities hope that this partnership will help support the Surrey community in addressing the growing need for awareness and understanding surrounding dementia.  It also hopes to raise awareness about the need for other organisations to take action to work towards dementia-friendly spaces.