Plays Aloud Summer Tour
Music, Connection & Growing Demand
In June and July 2024, Plays Aloud embarked on another two-week tour across Northern Ireland, bringing music, theatre, and joy to older adults in 22 care homes—including a brand-new venue we had never visited before.
This summer, our performances reached 344 beneficiaries—38 more than our last tour—demonstrating the growing impact of our work. A special highlight was two intergenerational performances, where local primary school children joined the audience, creating a wonderful opportunity for shared song and connection across generations.
Bringing Nostalgia to Life
Since 2016, Plays Aloud has toured twice a year to care homes, dementia facilities, and supported living schemes across Northern Ireland. Each performance is designed to spark memory, encourage engagement, and provide a sense of joy and connection. Residents sang along, danced, and engaged in meaningful one-on-one moments with our performers—an experience that goes beyond entertainment to create true human connection.
“One resident loved the Elvis song and was up dancing with Plays Aloud. They love music, and this makes them feel better. More Plays Aloud please!”
“Before the performance, the residents were mostly sleeping and unengaged. After the performance, their mood was a complete change. The grumpiest residents were loving it, happy, and singing. Please keep coming back!”
Expanding Our Reach
The success of Plays Aloud continues to grow. Interest in the programme reached an all-time high, with one provider requesting a performance at short notice and three new care schemes expressing interest in joining our future tours.
“Residents have difficulty accessing the arts in all its forms, including transport and venues. Bringing these performances to the residents helps to provide greater access.”
Incredible Feedback & Looking Ahead
The feedback from care homes was overwhelmingly positive, with many providers requesting our return as soon as possible.
“Residents looked very happy. One resident sang a verse on his own—he never usually gets involved in activities. Fantastic!”
“They (the residents) became more excited and happier. Singing along with each other and getting up and dancing. Residents became happier after the show, and it calmed them down and distracted them from what was worrying them.”
“A resident who is blind loved all the songs and was toe-tapping along. Just keep up the good work!”
Plays Aloud continues to be a much-loved and valued programme, and we’re excited for what’s next. With demand higher than ever, we look forward to reaching even more audiences in the future and continuing to bring the magic of live performance to those who need it most.
Stay tuned for updates on our next tour!