Oxford-based Human Story Theatre is a company with a unique approach to theatre. Firstly, each of their plays must have a social conscience; they have to deal with an issue that  may have some resonance to problems people might face in everyday life, such as domestic violence, alcoholism, or, as in this case, Alzheimer’s disease. Secondly, it’s important to them to make their plays accessible to all; to remove the sense that theatre is an elite and expensive medium. They address this with a ‘pay-what-you-can’ policy, and they choose to perform in community spaces, such as libraries, rather than in traditional theatres.

Connie’s Colander is the story of Connie, a retired domestic science teacher, played by Gaye Poole. We see her through the eyes of Emily, her daughter, and experience how their relationship is affected by Connie’s Alzheimer’s. As Emily, played by Amy Enticknap, grows up, from excitable little girl baking with her mum, through moody teenager coping with the death of her father, to grown woman starting her own TV cookery show, we watch Connie change too, as the disease takes hold.

Poole is also the writer of this play (as well as others from Human Story Theatre) and she handles the tale with sensitivity and warmth. Her portrayals of her characters are deeply researched and three-dimensional, and Connie and Emily come to life in front of the audience in a way that is thought-provoking and moving. It is sad and difficult in places, but there are real moments of joy and humour too.

After the production, there is a conversation with Poole, Enticknap, and with a group of local dementia specialists – medical professionals and carers – who allow the audience space to ask questions and comment on what they’ve seen. This is an excellent additional dimension to the production, as they also offer practical solutions to some of the issues raised in the play, and provide links to Alzheimer’s care in the local community – a really unique and important theatre experience.

Human Story Theatre is doing something really interesting with the medium, and I can’t recommend this company highly enough. Take a look at their website, and go to see Connie’s Colander at your local library or community centre. I’ll certainly be looking forward to their next production.    ★★★★★   @BookingAround    23^rd May 2019