The Octagon is to stage a dementia friendly performance of its Christmas show.

The special screening is part of the theatre's ReAct programme, which offers a range of activities for over 50s through the arts.

Since launching in 2020 through funding from the National Lottery, ReAct was created to engage with over 50s who would not normally visit the Octagon or take part in arts activities - offering a programme that is accessible and appealing to a diverse range of people to promote wellbeing.

And the scheme has offered yoga to arts and crafts for people living with dementia.

The Octagon has staged the Creative Dementia Café which has provided an opportunity for people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers to meet people and take part in light-touch arts and crafts activities.

And in the new year and there is also a dementia friendly performance of the festive show, A Christmas Carol.

The relaxed performances will take place on January 12  at 11am and 7pm to enable more people with dementia and their friends and family to enjoy our festive show.

Head of Creative Engagement at the Octagon, Imogen Woolrich said: “It was important for us that the ReAct programme was a community project.

"We wanted to have conversations with over 50s about what sort of activities they wanted from the Octagon. This has meant that over 50s themselves have been the driving force behind creating engagement work that would best inspire creativity and wellbeing and keep them connected.

"The funding for ReAct comes to an end in January but we hope to keep our most popular activities going. There is a real demand for a good quality offer for over 50s so we will be looking at further opportunities and funding to make this possible."

For more information visit the Octagon website.