WANT TO FEEL MORE CONNECTED AND BE PART OF A COMMUNITY? COULD CREATIVITY AND FUN PLAY A BIGGER PART IN YOUR LIFE? ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT THEATRE?

From March 2019, on the first and third Monday of each month, the Royal Exchange will host a day-long programme of events for older people including practical drama workshops, writing and play-reading activities as well as free activities.

Elders aren’t just older – they’re wiser. In a good society, older people are respected for their experience, for their knowledge and for everything they can teach us. The Elders is for older people who want to feel connected, learn more about theatre-making, be creative and have fun.

“I am not the same person who joined The Elders on that very first day. Nothing else I do in my activities or, indeed, have done in the past has brought my new found confidence I am now experiencing. I want to shout from the rooftops, ‘look out world, here I come. And if I can do it, so can you.”

Come and take part in FREE creative activity in the hall, meet friends, or book onto one of the scheduled workshops happening throughout the day (£6). No experience is necessary, just a curious mind and a willingness to try.

We’re also delighted to be hosting a Dementia Café in the hall in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, Admiral Nurses, Manchester Carers Forum and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Workshop content:

ELDERS PLAY: Practical drama workshop (takes place at 2pm on the first and third Monday of the month)

Join this practical session to explore a different aspect of theatre-making led by a professional theatre-maker. Sessions are fun, creative and informal. No experience is necessary, just a curious mind and a willingness to try.

ELDERS WRITE: Writing workshop (takes place at 11am and then repeated at 2pm on the first and third Monday of the month)

Join this session to explore approaches to creative writing led by a professional writer. No experience necessary, just bring a pen, paper and an open mind.

ELDERS INSIGHTS: Specialist insight into theatre-making (takes place at 11am on the first Monday of the month only)

Join this session to gain knowledge and learn about a particular aspect of theatre-making. Each session is led by a different professional artist. This might include an expert maker, voice coach, movement director or a member of our backstage departments. Have a go and take part in activities to learn more about how we stage plays.

ELDERS OUT LOUD: Play-reading and discussion (takes place at 11am on the third Monday of the month only)

Join this session to explore a play linked to the one on our main stage. Play a part and read aloud or simply listen. Discover new plays, empathise and share your thoughts and ideas on a range of scripts.

DEMENTIA CAFÉ

11am – 1pm (Cross Street end of the Great Hall)

Are you living with Dementia? Do you care for someone living with Dementia? Do you want to know more?

Come and join this relaxed and welcoming group to chat and take part in creative activity. Our Dementia Café includes professional support and advice from organisations such as Alzheimer’s Society, Admiral Nurses, Manchester Carers Forum and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.