An over-50s acting class at Richmond Theatre offers a space for creativity and community in the wake of cultural shifts following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The bi-weekly class, run by AGT Tickets as part of their Creative Learning and Community Partnerships programme, aimed to increase access, experience and enjoyment of the theatre for people of all abilities, ages, genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds in local communities and schools.
New research by YouGov found 24% of Brits said they had never been to the theatre, with nearly three-quarters of Londoners interested to attend, but only 41% in the last year that had done so.
Mirfat Abraham, who runs the Creative Learning and Community Partnerships programme, said: “Theatre can be quite alienating.
“People can view it as a bit elitist and not very welcoming, and it can be quite intimidating.
“To come in and do something that’s just purely fun, it’s just an easy way for them to be introduced into the world of theatre.
“Creative learning activities bring people into the theatre in a ‘safer’ kind of environment than just throwing them in as audience members.
“When they do finally come and see a show, it makes them feel a lot more comfortable.”
Making and maintaining friendships can become increasingly difficult in adulthood amid demands from work and family life, which leaves little time for socialising.
Abraham said: “They come for the social aspect of it as well, not just to strengthen their acting skills.”
“At the end of the class, it’s difficult to get rid of them, because they want to be there.
“One of the participants at the end of one session shared that her husband had passed away recently and that she just wanted something to do, and that it gave her a sense of community, and it made her feel less alone.
“She just enjoys that with the class it’s not like you’re doing a course or you’re preparing for something academic. They genuinely come to do it for fun.”
Richard Linton, who also attends, is a freelance actor and recently secured the role of Kew Gardens’ 2025 Father Christmas.
Linton said: “There is a feeling of togetherness, getting together with other people, people you’ve never seen before.
“You come in – ‘Oh, this is John, this is Mary. Hi, hi’ – and a few moments later, you’re doing something together.
“People from different parts of the world bring their experiences and mix up with everyone else’s, which makes it more interesting.
“It was a way of trying things out in a supportive atmosphere. There is no pressure.”
A study by Arts Council England found the performing arts can improve mental health symptoms by 68%, and also benefit one’s sense of wellbeing, something which many class members mentioned experiencing first-hand.
Helen-Marie Hughes, a long-time attendee of the classes, said: “I felt that it challenged me but brought me out and made me sort of braver.
“It certainly has made me more confident, less shy… it wasn’t as terrifying once you’ve done it.
“You’re being not what you are, you’re being someone else, and so it is quite a challenge, but not in a bad way. It’s exciting, actually.”
“I think all theatres should be doing it, actually…especially the little local theatres. I just think it’s a really good cohesion point.”
Feature image: Csilla Horvath
