“WISHES FULFILLED”

It wasn’t a full house for the Home from Home Friendship Group’s play presentation of ‘Wishes Fulfilled’ by Az2B Theatre Company at the United Church, Kirkheaton in early November, but from the high praises it received at feedback time everyone seemed to have enjoyed the production.

The play was the last in a dementia trilogy, the previous two having been done by the company a few years ago at Kirkheaton Parish Church.  The play was performed by three very gifted actors, who played various parts alongside puppetry, explored issues around end of life palliative care in a hospice setting.  It de-mystified the death process exploring what a “good death” can be.  We don’t tend to talk about dying and death, yet our mortality is as certain as taxes and this thought provoking play offered an honest, raw and humorous way to make sure we have the death that we choose.

There were three happy deaths during the performance, Nana whose favourite horse crossed the winning line as she passed away, an explosion of music and silliness as another slipped away and even twin children were involved in making sure that their nan died in Blackpool, as she had expressed, by decorating her room with lights, photos, ‘kiss me quick hats’ and music to dance away to with her Ronnie.  It was funny, moving, informative, and profound all rolled into one act.

After a rollercoaster of emotions, tears and laughter, everyone was invited to ask questions during a ‘question and answer’ session before enjoying a very much needed cup of tea with cake. An afternoon spent well someone said.

This was just a handful of audience feedback:

“I would encourage everyone to watch this engaging play. A very morbid subject expressed in a humorous yet positive way. It takes real skill to be able to do that!”

“An excellent performance! The skill the actors showed to cover an often delicate and difficult subject was incredible. The ability to be factually accurate with a humorous touch was refreshing and well worth a watch.”

“A superb production.  I have been really entertained, informed and given a lot to think about by your three productions”

“Very powerful and well researched. It covered the characters, rolls, activities and work of a hospice sharing a lot of information – and people can learn from ideas.”

“The various characters came to life showing distinct personalities. It was great to appreciate different view points regarding age groups and family relationships. Whoever created the characters, named them appropriately as I definitely recognised myself”

Az2B certainly ended their trilogy on a theatrical high!!

Thanks to them and of course our funders – Dalton Together and One 17 Design

 

And this is what the theatre group had to say about the Home from Home Group

 “A huge thank you. Your hospitality was so appreciated,  from the morning butties to the abundant supply of teas and warm smiles. The venue was perfect as was the organisation. Your work within the community is commendable, you support so many families, reach an eclectic range of people and make a positive difference in this world.”