Age is a Stage recently took to the boards again as we presented ‘The Insurrection Shuffle’, held in the lovely BOSCO Theater at the Speigeltent in Brighton. Part comedy, part poignant, part protest, the show combined mime, sketches, improv, poetry, dance, and juggling in an ensemble that showcased the talents of the eager older stagers that make up Age is a Stage. The audience was taken on a tour to a border control checkpoint with a difference, through a library to a knitting circle, with the surprise appearance of some old bags!
The show was curated by veteran performer and director Chris Cresswell, who leads year-round drop-in workshops at the Theatre Royal and Ropetackle, Shoreham for the over 50s. Ticket sales went well and the shows received rave reviews.
Jackie Alexander, Creative Learning Manager at the Theatre Royal Brighton, said ‘Age is a Stage challenge perceptions of ageing whilst having the best time. Funny, absurd, surreal in places, what a joyful experience it was to be in the audience of The Insurrection Shuffle!’
Another audience member added: ‘’I really enjoyed the show. It was embedded in the spirit of clowning and quite unusual in that. Chris held the whole thing together with casual professionalism and had the whole audience onside from the start. It was great to see you having such fun and delivering such an enjoyable evening.’
With Age is a Stage, there are plenty of opportunities to get up on stage, if this appeals to you. With regular pop-up events and scheduled performances alongside the weekly workshops, you’ll have a chance to tread the boards as much or as little as you like.
By showing positive images of active older people, we aim to create an environment where older people are shown as thriving, and where being seen as ageing well becomes the norm, not the exception.
Watch this space for more events coming soon!