Heydays
Wednesdays
Heydays is the largest and longest-running arts programme for older people in UK theatre.
Older people
Join our challenging, imaginative and energetic opportunities for older people, including our sector-leading work with people with dementia.
Discovering and developing creativity as we age has an enormous impact on wellbeing.
We have offered creative projects and opportunities for older people for over two decades.
We are always growing and developing our older people’s work, with a dedicated group of older people who advise us on how we can continue to create exciting creative opportunities.
Upcoming events
Workshops, projects and creative opportunities
More for older people
Leeds Playhouse pioneered dementia friendly performances in 2014 with White Christmas.
Dementia can be an incredibly isolating condition, but we know that there is hope and joy to be found through exploring our creativity in a supportive and understanding environment.
We’re proud to have been recognised with two major national awards for this pioneering work: Best Dementia Friendly Project 2015 and Outstanding Innovation in Dementia Care 2015.
Find out more about what a dementia friendly performance is by clicking here.
Browse our upcoming dementia friendly performances here.
Dementia friendly performances are supported by our Access Partner Irwin Mitchell.
The Creative Ageing Treasury of Leeds is a free resource created by Leeds Arts Health and Wellbeing Network, Leeds Playhouse and Yorkshire Dance, supported by The Performance Ensemble.
It contains 15 step-by-step arts activities contributed by artists and organisations who deliver outstanding work for, by and with older people. There is something to try with all different group sizes, locations, mobility and sensory capacities, and details of how to make activities dementia friendly are included.
Any person, whether they are an older person or work with older people, is invited to use the Creative Ageing Treasury of Leeds as a simple practical guide in using creative approaches.
Click here to download your copy, or contact us at engagement@leedsplayhouse.org.uk to get a physical version.
Our older people’s theatre company, Feeling Good, was established in 1999 to challenge stereotypes and share positive stories of ageing, reflecting the experiences of older people.
Supported by the Playhouse but run entirely by older people, Feeling Good is at the forefront of entertaining and educating older people in Leeds and beyond. Previous commissions have come from Trading Standards, West Yorkshire Police and the National Osteoporosis Society, and the company are currently working with Leeds City Council’s Public Health directorate to share key messages around hydration and physical activity.
Feeling Good Theatre Company is available for bookings for community performances, festivals and conferences. Get in touch with us to find out more at engagement@leedsplayhouse.org.uk.
“People with dementia are often written off, but our participants are sometimes contributing right up until the last days or weeks of their life. That, to me, is remarkable.”
The Guardian
Theatre and Dementia Research Associate Nicky Taylor talks to The Guardian about our work with people living with Dementia.
