First dementia-friendly theatre show in West Midlands coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

It comes as part of a extended programme of events to support those living with dementia.

The Lichfield Street venue also runs two Memory Cafe events a month to provide entertainment for people and their carers.

A third date will be added each month to complement the programme from 2020, following the success over the last year.

The cafe programme is led by Grand Theatre pantomime favourites Ian Adams and Julie Paton, who perform medleys of songs from across all eras and genres.

It also features a Viva Variety touring show that visits local care homes to reach those who are unable to attend at the theatre.

The first dementia-friendly theatre performance will be the 2.30pm performance of Million Dollar Quartet on Thursday, July 2.

Vicky Price, associate director, development and communications at the Grand Theatre, said: “The dementia programme started with one Memory Café a month, which due to popularity extended to two a month very soon after launch.

"I am delighted that we will now provide three a month and continue to produce the Viva Variety touring show that visits local care homes to reach those who are unable to attend at the theatre.”

For the second year running, FBC Manby Bowdler will be the headline sponsor of the programme.

Dementia Friends Champion and FBCMB partner, Michelle Monnes-Thomas, said: “More than 3,000 people in the City of Wolverhampton are living with dementia and we've been delighted by the response to the Memory Cafes we support at the theatre.

"These events are really important in bringing people from the community together; somewhere they can reminisce and enjoy time together at the theatre.

"The opportunity to be involved for a second year is very exciting as we develop the programme from the theatre’s Encore Lounge and are able to include performances in the main auditorium too.”

The Steve Bull Foundation, Paycare, and The Friends of the Grand will also be supporting the work.

Chief executive and artistic director of the Grand Theatre, Adrian Jackson, said: “I wish to thank all of the staff and supporters who have embraced this scheme wholeheartedly.

"We aim to reach everyone in the community through the magic of theatre I am delighted that through recent developments we will continue to make the theatre as accessible as possible.”

For more information on accessible services at the Grand Theatre, email access and operations manager Remy Lloyd, RemyL@grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 57 33 20.