Theatre for Older People (Arts Council England Funded)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Elaine led Theatre for Older People, a three-year Arts Council England–funded project designed to connect with older people across Liverpool who were experiencing isolation.

Year 1

The project began with Silver Bells and Cocktails – A Life in Lockdown, a series of 13 COVID-safe outdoor performances reaching 310 older people. Alongside this, digital content extended the project’s reach even further, including a BBC Radio Merseyside broadcast with an audience of around 257,000 listeners.

Year 2

Shaken, Rattled and Rolled responded to the ongoing hesitancy many older people felt about venturing beyond their homes. The project blended live and broadcast activity, reaching over 500 people and continuing to create safe, shared cultural experiences.

Year 3

In its final year, Storm in a Teacup welcomed audiences back into arts and community venues. The production toured locations including the Royal Court Theatre, The Studio Runcorn, The Joseph Lappin Centre, and St Mary’s Church, Woolton. Across 10 performances—six of which sold out—the show reconnected audiences with live theatre and each other.Use this section to create engaging content that combines text and images.

Impact

Each performance was co-created with audiences and tailored to its setting, creating dynamic and deeply personal experiences. The project opened up space for shared reflection on the pandemic, helping people feel seen, heard, and connected.

Live performance proved especially powerful in rebuilding a sense of closeness and community—something many had missed during isolation. By amplifying real voices and lived experience, the project helped reduce loneliness and strengthen social bonds.

What Partners Said

“You and the team have been fantastic, and the feedback has been amazing – please pass on my sincere thanks to all the group.”
— Eddie Weston, Onward Housing Older Person Specialist

“Thank you so much for the performance. The customers really enjoyed it, and it lifted them greatly after such a challenging year. The performers got it so right… please pass on our thanks and good luck to you all.”
— Linda Murray, Scheme Manager, Hawthorne Court

For more information contact Elaine - elaine@comedylive.org