Last year, thanks to your incredible generosity, our Christmas Appeal raised an astounding £27,698.94 for our Creative Ageing Programme. And this support has meant we have been able to use creativity to bring people together, boost wellbeing, and spark new friendships throughout 2026.
Transforming Lives, Week by Week
Because of your support, our weekly music sessions, Theatre Cares, for people living with dementia and their carers continued. Complete with hot drinks, pastries, and a warm smile, these sessions give families a comforting space to feel connected and less isolated.
We also were able to offer £10 bursary places on our Dance Lab and Ballet sessions so everyone can enjoy moving, building strength, and keeping active.
Taking Centre Stage
Your donations didn’t just fund sessions; they put local people in the spotlight. Members of our 60+ Theatre Makers joined Natyapriya dancers to perform three stunning movement pieces at performances of La traviata at Norwich Theatre Royal.
Others took part in This Stage: A Life in Motion, working directly with the São Paulo Dance Company and Northern Ballet to create original theatre about growing older creatively.
Reaching Across Norfolk
We piloted Theatre Cares – By the Sea! at Sheringham Little Theatre, teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Society and the Sophie Centre to bring creative care directly to North Norfolk communities that needed it most.
What’s Next?
Thanks to last year’s appeal, we are able to roll out fresh initiatives to reach even more people:
- The Social: Launching this November, this relaxed over-60s group offers a casual, pay-what-you-can space for chat, connection, and creative fun.
- Creative Ageing Theatre Makers: Starting in January, this brand-new performance group will build toward a mainstage production for our Creative Ageing Season 2027, exploring stories of reinvention.
- Intergenerational Projects: We’re bringing different generations together to share stories, break down barriers, and create joint performance pieces.
Partnering for Greater Reach
We are also teaming up with Age UK Norfolk to launch free creative movement sessions in Great Yarmouth focused on mobility, fun, and connection.
Talking about the new scheme Michelle Diston-Jay, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Age UK Norfolk, said:
“Age UK Norfolk are delighted to be working with Norwich Theatre Royal…Through social dance events in Great Yarmouth, we will together offer a fun, fresh way for people to get moving, try something new, develop new interests, and meet others.”
“We’re excited about what this partnership could lead to in the future, creating more opportunities for older people to get active, feel connected and ultimately live well in Norfolk.”
This Christmas: Giving children who need it most a place to belong
Everything we achieved for older adults this past year happened because you chose to give. This Christmas, you can help us open those same doors of creativity and connection for young people across Norfolk.
For thousands of children across Norfolk, the world is becoming an increasingly challenging place to grow up. Rising financial pressure, expanding educational gaps, and an unprecedented mental health crisis mean that too many young people are feeling isolated, anxious, and left behind.
Through creative workshops, drama, dance, and music, we give young people a welcoming place to build confidence, overcome feelings of anxiety and isolation.
For more information about this year’s Christmas Appeal please visit: https://norwichtheatre.org/christmas-appeal/