A glamorous older lady, wearing a leopard print top, throwing her hands in the air and smiling.

Plays Aloud

Plays Aloud brings connection and creativity to older audiences across Northern Ireland.

Founded in 2015, the project began with a simple idea: to use the talents of professional performers to lift moods, foster connection, and improve well-being in care homes and assisted living schemes.

Our Story

Inspired by fond memories of asking family members to “do a turn” in the living room, our founder Clare McMahon envisioned a program that brings high-quality live entertainment to people who need it most.

Today, Plays Aloud has grown into a flagship program, delivering nostalgia-based musical performances and arts workshops to care homes, dementia care facilities, and sheltered housing units in every county of Northern Ireland.

Our professional actors and facilitators are specially trained to connect with older adults, including those living with dementia, using open-ended questions, warm engagement, and prioritizing moments of personal connection.

We seek to create spaces for communion, creativity, and self-expression.

Our goals are to

  • reduce social isolation

  • promote friendships

  • support well-being

  • empower sustained arts engagement.

What We Do

From live tours to creative workshops, Plays Aloud proves that it’s never too late to learn a new skill, share a laugh, a song, or a story. 

A performer in a green Plays Aloud t-shirt is singing to a woman with her arm outstreched.  In the background are smiling residents.

Bi-annual Tours

Designed for older audiences, our nostalgia-based variety shows transport residents to the golden years of their youth with songs and stories they know and love.

Arts Workshops

Our arts workshop program brings creativity and joy to care settings, offering residents the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and discover hidden talents.

Bookings

Booking a Plays Aloud tour or arts workshop is simple! We’re here to bring joy and connection to your care home, sheltered housing unit, or dementia care facility.

Our Values

Lifelong Learning

Everyone deserves opportunities for growth, creativity, and self-expression at every stage of life.

In-the-Moment Experiences

Engaging audiences in the moment, creating joy and reducing anxiety for those with memory challenges.

Nostalgia & Reminiscence

Familiar music, poetry, and stories connect individuals to their identity, evoking positive memories and emotions.

Community & Interaction

We foster new connections, combat social isolation and build a sense of belonging for participants and care staff.

Empowerment

Empowering participants to shape their own creative journeys, enhancing autonomy and confidence.

Inclusivity

Tailored sessions ensure accessibility for all, embracing diverse needs and abilities.

Creativity Connection Community

“This type of Arts and Music engagement in Care Homes is great.”

Our Funders