A THEATRE company has joined forces with an arts organisation to help combat social isolation among older people.

The Badapple Theatre Company, of Green Hammerton, Yorkshire, has teamed up with Live & Local: LivingRoom, which works with community groups in the Midlands on creative and interactive activities in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Collaborating mainly with those who are socially-isolated or shielding, Badapple will record memories and anecdotes from a community dance group of older participants at the Brewhouse Arts Centre in Burton on Trent.

The recordings will then be edited and distilled into a memento story CD or DVD and, hopefully, enhanced with visuals, original music by award-winning songwriter Jez Lowe and also narration from a professional actor.

Kate Bramley, a theatre writer and Badapple’s artistic director, said: “Having toured to the Midlands with Live & Local on many occasions, we are proud to partner with them and Brewhouse Arts Centre on such a valuable community project.

"I can’t wait to hear everyone’s reminiscences of dancing as youngsters and hopefully some stories of Burton on Trent itself! This project could not have come at a better time as we begin a second lockdown.”

Inspired by those conversations, the finished product will then be delivered to all the participants for them to enjoy in the comfort of their own home.

Badapple Theatre Company is celebrating 21 years of touring this year and specialises in inventive new comedy specifically designed for small community venues, thereby finding the best of new theatre in the most unexpected of places.