Our memories inspire some talented young people from Darlington

Home news

Aug 27, 2013

We have been working with the young people from the Darlington Arts Academy (DAA) to capture some of our memories of the last 60 years that they have turned into a play called Diamonds are Forever.

The group visited us and chatted to the residents so they could capture memories from the 1950s that they then used as the basis for a 15 minute play, which they then performed for us.

Our manager Nicola Wilkins said: “Our residents enjoy talking about the past and a number of them enjoyed chatting to the group about their memories and they were delighted to see the production in our home.”

The DAA’s Rebecca McGarvie said: “The participants talked with the residents after the performance and were able to get more ideas and these have been incorporated into the full length production, which they will develop and rehearse at a Summer Theatre School held between 5^th -10th August at the Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, with a performance on the Saturday at 3pm.

“The memories gave the cast and writers lots of ideas for fictional characters and as well as background to events. It was a real insight into the social history the Queen’s reign and the students were struck by how, although technology has radically changed, emotions and families remain very much the same.”

The academy has invited residents to the show and Nicola said: “I am sure some will love to go. They really enjoyed talking to the young people and sharing their memories.”