Group: Rah Rah Community Theatre Company
Project: Free Sumer Shows
Grant: £7,700
Fund: General Fund
The Rah Rah Community Theatre Company takes theatre and entertainment out into communities, offering free and accessible shows to vulnerable and marginalised groups.
With a grant from Heart of Bucks, the group toured 20 Buckinghamshire care homes, prioritising facilities that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford such experiences. At each venue, the group performed 2 shows: Top Hat Tales, a musical love story based around the famous Broadway musical songs of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, and Summer Frolics produced in the style of Britain’s old fashioned “holiday camp” entertainment. Alongside the shows, the group produced an activity pack which included online tutorials/workshops such as Keep Fit, Reminiscence and a Singalongs, offered as a free resource to all residents in the care homes.
Residents with learning difficulties, limited mobility, or dementia found comfort and connection in the shows. For many, loneliness faded as they became immersed in music, movement, and storytelling, creating new memories and rekindling old ones.
For those with dementia, the performances unlocked moments of joy, recognition, and self-identity, while gentle movement helped improve physical strength and engagement. Even non-verbal residents found their voices—singing along, smiling, and feeling part of something bigger.
The impact reached far beyond the performances themselves. Laughter lingered for days, friendships were formed, and a true sense of community blossomed. In places where human connection can be scarce, these performances brought people together, lifted spirits, and made their weeks brighter. The shows weren’t just entertainment; they were a moment of happiness, belonging, and pure escapism that lingered long after the final note.
This grant was essential for Rah Rah Community Theatre Company to ensure the delivery of their services could continue without compromise, bringing joy to those who need it most.
Quotes from care homes
“Thank you so much to the Rah Rah Theatre Company for entertaining us so splendidly with their ‘Top Hat Tales’. Our residents loved every minute and participated brilliantly.”
“Wonderful show, our residents had a wonderful afternoon being entertained and it was great seeing them get involved in the show as well. Thank you and we hope to see you again soon.”
“We totally appreciate how the actors engaged with the audience, getting to know individual names, enabling them to engage the audience as an integral part of the show.”
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