Dementia the musical - full production and tour

This unique new musical had its first pilot pre production read through in March 2022 at An Lanntair on the Island of Lewis, Scotland. Following the resounding success of the read through, the Deepness Dementia Media team is looking to raise the funds needed to develop and deliver a full production.

The story ... Agnes, James and Nancy are being put on trial for the crime of having dementia and not doing what they’re told. Can they beat the Rigid System and reclaim their lives and dignity?

The Ballad of the Dementia Activists – aka Dementia the Musical – is a hard-hitting and humorous new musical telling the history of dementia activism in Scotland through a dramatic confrontation between activists and the system – with the voices of real people with dementia shaping its story.

Dementia the Musical – is written by Ron Coleman from Ness, a mental health activist who has been living with dementia for several years. The show tells the story of dementia activism in Scotland through the eyes of three prominent, real-life dementia activists: James McKillop, Nancy MacAdam and Agnes Houston. In the show, the trio battle a villain called Rigid System to defend their independence and their human rights while singing original songs written by jazz musician Sophie Bancroft and Lewis-based singer-songwriter Andrew Eaton Lewis.

The pilot of The Ballad of the Dementia Activists led to many positive reviews and the show has inspired passionate debates that are so central to the experiences and challenges facing people living with dementia and their families. This grassroots project will give a voice to the dementia community in a unique and creative way.

Ron Coleman said, "I never in my life thought I would write a musical, But supported by my wife Karen An Lanntair, Andrew and Laura Eaton Lewis, Luminate and the Deepness Limited Board I got that chance. I hope it will challenge the current system that still treats people as file numbers and not people. At Deepness we believe anything is possible and I want to show people that it is". 

Every contribution to this fundraiser, no matter how large or small, will help make this dream a reality and raise awareness so that the voices of those living with dementia will be heard and listened to.