A new initiative at Darlington Hippodrome is using the magic of theatre to tackle loneliness. PETER BARRON went along to a production of The Mousetrap to see the idea in action
AS someone who lives alone, Claire Cooke is loving chatting to new friends an hour before the curtain goes up on the latest production of The Mousetrap at her local theatre.
And when she gets to meet the cast, including Grange Hill, Eastenders and The Bill actor Todd Carty, she confesses: “I can’t believe it – this is definitely the highlight of my year.”
Claire, 43, has come to Darlington Hippodrome as part of an initiative by the theatre – with the support of local care company, Care Matters – to tackle loneliness and isolation in the community.
The aim is to make the theatre more welcoming to people who might be put off going to the theatre because they have no-one to go with.
An area is set aside for those taking part in the Matinee Matters initiative, so they can get to know each other over nibbles and drinks before the show.
The cost of refreshments is covered by Care Matters, which is part of the Newlands Group and has its head office in Darlington, and members of the company’s staff have come along to show their support.
The Mousetrap may be on its 70th anniversary tour as the world’s longest-running play, but Matinee Matters is something refreshingly new for Darlington’s beautiful 117-year-old theatre.
“It’s such a good idea to do this,” smiles Claire, who talks openly about the mental health issues she has endured.
“When you are stuck in the house 24 hours a day, it can be depressing. But having a reason to come out, knowing you’re going to meet like-minded people, and have a natter over a cuppa, is wonderful.”
Hermione Bateman, 20, is another of the Matinee Matters guests. Hermione suffered a brain injury in a car crash when she was two, and she’s come to the theatre with her personal assistant, Leanne Knowles.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea because isolated people don’t get to speak to people and go places,” says Hermione.
Claire and Hermione are among the attendees to have heard about Matinee Matters through an art group that meets at the theatre on Tuesday afternoons, again with the aim of supporting people who may be isolated for a variety of reasons, including disability and mental health issues.
The group, named The Art of Survival, was set up by former Darlington mechanic, Ken Longstaff, who was left wheelchair-bound and in need of 24-hour care when he was struck down by a rare condition called Guillain Barre Syndrome in 2012.
Ken’s complex care is provided by Care Matters through his dedicated carer, Anne Hankin, who has brought him to the theatre.
Despite his own challenges, Ken’s mission is to support others through a shared passion for art.
“We have about 30 members, some who are isolated, some who suffer from anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, or learning difficulties,” explains Ken.
“We started out as an art group but it’s developed into much more than that now. We're more of a social service now, meeting up for coffees during the week, providing company, and enabling friendships to be formed.
“Matinee Matters is a natural extension of what we do, and our members were really excited when they heard about it.
"It’s also great to see a local company like Care Matters getting behind the idea – I couldn’t do what I do without the support I get from them through Anne every day.”
For Care Matters registered manager, Michelle Broom, the smiles on the faces all around her at the theatre gathering make the company’s sponsorship of the initiative worthwhile.
“As soon as we heard about Matinee Matters, it felt like the perfect fit for us as a company specialising in care,” she says. “It’s heart-warming to see how much happiness it’s bringing and, hopefully, it will continue to gain momentum.”
As well as those from the art group, there are others here to see The Mousetrap as part of Matinee Matters, and it’s a joy to see everyone mingling, and getting to know each other, before the performance.
The full cast has come down to chat, and company manager, Lauren Barclay, says they were all keen to support the initiative as soon as they heard what it was all about.
“They all instinctively wanted to be part of it and come and say ‘hello’ because they thought it was such a brilliant idea,” says Lauren. “This will really bring people together who might have been too nervous to come on their own.”
Todd Carty, who plays Major Metcalf, has no doubt about Matinee Matters’ value and hopes the idea spreads: “I think it’s fantastic – wonderful – and I’d like to see other theatres follow suit,” he says.”
Amy Spinks, who plays Miss Casewell, adds: “It’s really important to use regional theatre to bring people together, especially after the experience of Covid.
"Theatre is a community in itself, and it’s so nice to see it being used as a way to support people who may feel isolated.”
Cast members have been chatting to the Matinee Matters guests for 20 minutes but Lauren Barclay announces it’s time to go and get into costume, ready for the show.
Agatha Christie’s marathon murder mystery is about to be staged yet again – and Darlington's beautiful old theatre is performing a role that could hardly be more important.
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Matinee Matters sessions are free to attend prior to watching selected matinee performances at the theatre. The sessions will take place an hour before the matinee performance.
The free session can be easily added to any ticket booking. If booking over the phone or in person at the Box Office - please let the box office staff know that you’d like to attend, and they’ll add you to the session.
If you booked online - please email the team at hippodrome.boxoffice@darlington.gov.uk and they’ll add you to the session.
Dates for up-coming Matinee Matters sessions:
Sister Act – Thursday 12 September 1pm
Ghost – Wednesday 25 September 1pm
An Inspector Calls – Wednesday 2 October 1pm
Cluedo 2 – Thursday 10 October 1pm
Blood Brothers - Thursday 14 November 1pm
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