Local mayor joins Knebworth residents for poignant theatre performance

Home news

Oct 22, 2018

The team at Knebworth welcomed people from the community and the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield to a special performance of a unique play which explores the impact dementia can have.

Family and friends of the residents at Knebworth were invited to a one-off performance of ‘Don’t Leave Me Now’, a dementia drama inspired by two real life stories – performed by Pluto Productions. 

Playwright, Brian Daniels, was inspired to write the play when he read a friend’s journal which they had kept from when their loved one was diagnosed with dementia, and throughout their subsequent journey.

After the performance, residents, friends and family enjoyed chatting with the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Barbra Fitzsimon, and speaking with the actors about the show.

Home manager, Vera Moreira-Henocq, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Brian and the team from Pluto Productions to the home for what was an incredibly thought-provoking piece of theatre. It focused on a sensitive topic which is close to the hearts of the team and relatives of residents here at Knebworth, and everyone agreed the play was put together incredibly sympathetically – we were all very impressed. 

“When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it will be difficult for the individual but also the family around them. It is because of this that at Knebworth we regularly host educational events with loved ones, so this was a really interesting way for us to offer support and advice. 

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Pluto Productions for their fantastic performance and to everyone that came along on the day. I’d also like to give a special thanks to our guest of honour, Barbra Fitzsimon for joining us, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the home in the future.”