Director Alexander Ferris

Choir Director Bazil Meade for

The London Community Gospel ChoirMovement Director

Anna Morrissey Designer

Sean Turner

Video Duncan McLean Lighting Jack KnowlesSound Avgoustos Psillas for Autograph Producer Clemmie Forfar

First performance of this production at The Old Vic Workrooms, Tuesday 28 April 2015

Hello

Welcome to The Old Vic Community Company’s second production, Ages by Alexandra Wood,

staged at The Old Vic Workrooms in Bermondsey.Made up of 100 Londoners, the company of Ages were all selected for their raw talent and

passion for their community. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s amazing to see our friends, our

next-door neighbours, our colleagues take to the stage with courage and conviction.What you’re about to watch is the product of months of research with over 200 Londoners,

from policy makers to carers to people actively challenging the world’s perception of them in

their retirement, we explored what it means to grow up and to grow old in the capital. These

testimonies inspired the wonderfully rich and entertaining script that Alexandra has written.

The work staged by The Old Vic Community Company has the same exceptional production

values as all of our main house shows and I would like to congratulate the creative team working

on Ages and director Alexander Ferris on all the skill and passion that has gone into creating this

ambitious show.This is the second of a three year initiative to build London’s largest inclusive theatre company.

It is also the last production from The Old Vic Community Company that will fall under my

tenure, and as such is a very special event for me personally. The work we do through Old Vic

New Voices is at the heart of our theatre’s ethos which, since the days of Emma Cons and Lilian

Baylis, has been about making theatre accessible, enjoyable and inspirational for all.Community theatre by its very nature unites people from all backgrounds; from all over the

world, the capital and of any age. Nowhere else is this demonstrated more perfectly than in the

work that you are about to see.I hope you have a wonderful experience seeing this production. Come back and see us again soon.My best

Kevin Spacey

production acknowledgements thank youages production credits

Writer Alexandra Wood Director Alexander Ferris* Choir Director Bazil Meade for The London Community Gospel ChoirMovement Director Anna Morrissey Designer Sean Turner Video Duncan McLean Lighting Jack KnowlesSound Avgoustos Psillas for Autograph Producer Clemmie ForfarAssociate Directors Julia McShane Vik Sivalingam

Music ‘Siren Song’ Bazil MeadeLyrics ‘Siren Song’ Alexandra Wood

Movement Assistant Sara GreenAssistant Video Designer Stanley Orwin-Fraser BBC Performing Arts Fellow and Assistant Director Toby PeachAssistant Directors Laurence Cook Philippa Hogg Traditional Song Arrangement Bazil MeadeAccompanist Abraham Hampton Adrian McCleod

Production Manager Sam Fraser Technical Director Dom Fraser*Stage Manager Charlotte McBrearty Deputy Stage Manager Anna Hunscott Assistant Stage Managers Chloe Turner Stefani Zivanic

Wardrobe Supervisor Linda CoplandAssistant Wardrobe Supervisors Caroline Stevens Sinead Skinner

Production Administrator Ross CrosbyProject Assistant Joe Spurgeon

Video Programmer and Engineer Oliver LuffProduction Sound Engineer Anna Newton for AutographHead of Sound Phoebe Gosling

backstage Lighting, Sound and AVDean Martin Steers, Denis Erd, Sinta Tangkudung

Producing and MarketingAdolfo Espina-Sanchez, Liz Pagett, Margarita Pita, Miles Gibson, Nora Luppo

Stage Management, Design and PropsBalesquida Menendez de Luarca, Catherine Green, Indira Sengupta, Li Keegan, Gerry Knoud, Lorraine McDonald, Maria Suarez, Patricia Bailey, Patricia Gilvaia, Simon Lambert, Sonia Yiadom-Hut, Sonoko Obuchi, Tyrone Paul, XunNing Choong

Wardrobe, Hair and Make-upMadeleine Carroll, Magdalene Lepri, Marketa Flynnova

DirectingAndrea Pope

Lambeth College Students on Attachment Bana Yemane, Dayana Logacho, Gloria Sanchez, Johanna Bedon, Rachel Young, Rahiel Dagnew, Sade Sealy, Sarah Tespay, Zenil Reis

It’s been an astonishing journey of exploration and discovery. We have met so many Londoners willing to share their stories and support the project in so many different ways. Adoracion (Dorothy) Macfarlane, Age UK East London, Age UK Lambeth, Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, Alan Walker, Alex Kouzarides, Amada Silva, Ann Fitzgerald, April Collingwood and team at The Clean Space, ATD Fourth World, Barbara Hawkins, Bermondsey Arts Club, Beryl (Frances) Wardle, Bethany Holttum, BOA Boutique, Bonnie Poole, Bridget Chandler, Carers Hub Lambeth, Carillion, Celeste Cardenas, Charles Thompson, Claire Gaulier, Constance Rogers, Contact the Elderly, Crisis, Dan Waldron, Daniel Johnson, Daphne Ernest, David Holland, David Lipscombe, David Putman, Dulwich Helpline, Etelka M Berki, Geraldine Matthews, Graham Freeman, Grosvenor, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s Older People’s Assessment Unit, Helen Latcham and Tom Ziessen for The Wellcome Trust, Hilary Payne, Izzy Grigg, Izzy Wise, Jacksons Lane, Jacksons Lane Lunch Club, James Folkes, Janet Morris, Jean Heddon, Jennifer Tuckett and MA Dramatic Writing at Drama Centre London at Central Saint Martins, Joan Muirhead, Joe Ward, Jon Cochrane, Juliet Formby, Kamil Tahir, Kate Harris, Kate Nottidge, Kim Connell, Krzysztof Mikata-Pralat, Lambeth Council, LAMDA, Latin American Older People’s Group, Laura Humphrey, Laura Prior, Laura Reynolds and Coin Street Community Builders, Lee Mullins and Workshop Gymnasium, Leo Copland, Liberty Martin, Linda Allen, Linda Rider, Louise Marie Holden, Lucy Tyndall, Malcolm Mellows and Ed Cooper at XL Video, Mary Heaney, Mary Thompson, Matthew Schmolle for venue research, May Gosden, Michael McBreen, Mimi Poskitt, Tracky Crombie, Molly Taylor and Shirley-Anne Field for Look Left Look Right’s pop up event My Desert Island, Molly Andrews, Nermin Tahir, Neybi Aransibia, Nicholas Gomez, Nigel Roche, Pauline Jones, the staff at Morrisons Peckham, Peggie Butler, Peter Hayes, Philip McVey, Phillip Jones, Rebekah Schiff, Ria Tubman and ALRA, Richard Lake, Roger and Helen Bradburn, Roxanne Peake-Payne, Santa Baldanza, Sarah Bennett, Shirley Farrant, Simone Morrison, Southwark Healthy Living Centre, SparknowLlp, Stephanie Ramamurthy, Stones End Day Centre, Stuart Cox, Sue Yeomans, Susan Campbell, Susan Tume, Susannah Slater, Toby Blume, Tom Kirkwood, White Light, Will Scarnell, Winnie Salisbury, Witherbys Lithoflow Printing

We would also like to thank all the staff at The Old Vic, our supporters from last year, our incredible company, the 1,200 people who came to audition and the 200+ whose collective contribution to the research and development phase provided the inspiration for Ages.

Proud supporter of Ages: The Big Debate

Print supporter of The Old Vic Community Company

Audition Staff Audition Panel Alexander Ferris* Clemmie Forfar Julia McShane Hannah Fosker* Toby Peach Bazil Meade

DirectorsAndrew Whyment, Ben Vardy, Ed Stambollouian, Emily Bray, Hamish MacDougall, Joe Hancock, Rachel Briscoe London Community Gospel ChoirBecky Thomas, Lawrence Rowe, Leon Meade Audition AssistantsAlexandra Sayer, Janet Morris, Joe Spurgeon, Laura Humphrey, Laura Prior, Laura Pryce, Matthew Schmolle, Lorraine Mcdonald, Philippa Hogg, Rob Lehmann, Ross Crosby, Shona Davis, Simon Paul

Research TeamEducation and Community Manager Hannah Fosker*Researcher (Interviews) Naomi AlexanderResearcher (Workshops) Natalie MitchellResearch Workshop Assistant Alex ThorpeFriend and contributor Winnie Salisbury

Scientific Consultants Tom Kirkwood CBE Alan Walker CBE

Documentary Maker Paul Whittaker Captioner Alex RomeoLighting equipment supplied by White LightSound equipment supplied by AutographThe Old Vic’s IT provision is supported by Cara NetworksOld Vic New Voices Intern Rebecca Latham*

Community Activists Jaswinder Blackwell-Pal, Harriet Cox

Community Writers on Attachment Jaswinder Blackwell-Pal, Caroline James, Elijah Marrs Mariam, James Rushbrook, Kam Sandhu, Hannah Warsame, Colin Williams

The Old Vic WorkroomsThe Old Vic Workrooms is a disused property being programmed and managed by Old Vic New Voices thanks to a special partnership with Grosvenor. It offers creative space for emerging professionals, the local community and our education programme in the heart of Bermondsey.

* Old Vic Staff

CastAbi CorbettAdam ParkinsonAmy FlemingAndrew ButlerAndrew McWhirterAnita LancetAstrid MalsenBen TiramaniBill NoceCaron KehoeChance PerdomoEsther WaltersGerry CarrollHannah FordHayden McLean-WilliamsHelen EvansHilary HodsmanIsabella WiseJim MulliganJudith ArkwrightJulian CoxKassius NelsonLady Pearl Tawia

Marc DorfmanMia FooMolly SweeneyNathalie St ClaireNikolaos Brahimllari Nick SimonsOdene BeckfordPhillip IkeotuonyePushpsen JoshiSachmo QuainSaffron CoomberSam BarnesScott WrightSeth DaoodSheila McCabeShelley McDonaldSherma Polidore Simon LangleySophie Miller-SheenThomas SimperTisa BatemanWayne HerbertWendy Fisher

ChoirAlejandro Martinez-MongeAlma RamnauthAmanda BrownAnna HollowayAnneka GouldbourneClaire HackDebbie OsiboduElfie FrazerElisabeth KerseyFiona JohnstoneFiona WhiteJahzmon RobinsonJanise Sadik

Jessica DuncanJohn BaileyKate KelleyLuigi CastaldoOla AralepoPhilip McVeyRaluca CherejiRo KapilaSylvie BroudouVictoria Edah Violet VincentYvette LondonYvonne Lazarus

Please see front-of-house signage in the theatre foyer for the performance running time. There will be a 15-minute interval

ProgrammeEditor Clemmie Forfar Sub Editor Ross CrosbyProof Reader Janet Morris Photography Ben CarpenterDesign Peter Collins*Print Witherbys Lithoflow Printing

We support the environment by printing on 100% FSC paper from well-managed forests, using vegetable inks by a carbon-smart printing company

The Old Vic, The Cut, London SE1 8NBoldvicnewvoices.com

@oldvicnewvoicesfacebook.com/oldvicnewvoices

© The Old Vic, 2015. All information is correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change

Alexandra WoodPlaywrightAlexandra’s plays include an adaptation of Jung Chang’s Wild Swans (Young Vic); an English version of Man to Man (Wales Millennium Centre); Merit (Theatre Royal Plymouth); The Initiate (Paines Plough, Fringe First Award); The Empty Quarter (Hampstead); The Centre (Islington Community Theatre); Unbroken (Gate); The Eleventh Capital (Royal Court); and the radio play Twelve Years (BBC Radio 4). She is a winner of the George Devine Award and was Playwright-in-Residence at Paines Plough in 2013. She studied at York and Birmingham Universities, but has otherwise lived in London all her life.

Alexander FerrisDirectorAlexander has directed and assisted on productions at some of the most prominent theatres in the UK including Theatre Royal Plymouth, Sheffield Theatres, Sherman Cymru, Tricycle Theatre and the Arcola. He has established creative learning programmes at The Criterion Theatre, the Riverfront and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. He is Artistic Director and co-founder of The Working Party who create experimental theatre for communities in south London. He is currently Director of Old Vic New Voices, where he has produced over 20 projects and directed Platform, Danny’s Deal, Housed and the award-winning Epidemic, a community musical about wellbeing.

Bazil Meade Choir DirectorBazil is the charismatic and multi-talented founder, director, vocalist and keyboard player of The London Community Gospel Choir. Starting the choir in 1982, the soulful front man can turn his hand to any genre. A distinctive vocal tone reminiscent of Bobby Womack, The O Jays and Sam Cooke has established him as one of the most revered Gospel leaders

in Europe. Sir George Martin describes Bazil as ‘brilliant and unique’. Bazil brings an energy and authenticity to his stage performance that makes watching the LCGC a spiritual experience. Recent endeavours include writing a successful memoir, A Boy, a Journey, a Dream, a new band venture The Bazil Meade Experience and collaborations with Damon Albarn and the National Theatre. The LCGC have performed at Wembley Stadium (FA Cup Final), the Royal Albert Hall, the Brit Awards and Glastonbury Festival. An eclectic mix of races, ages and backgrounds make the choir a truly special blend of talent, voices and personalities.

Anna MorriseyMovement DirectorAnna trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and works as a movement director and choreographer. During 2014 she was Artist in Residence for Historic Royal Palaces making dance theatre that played at Hampton Court and Latitude Festival. Theatre includes: King Charles III, (Wyndhams and Almeida Theatre); The Crucible, My Generation (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Boeing Boeing and The Village Bike (Crucible Theatre); World of Extreme Happiness (National Theatre); A Christmas Carol, Circles, Back Down (Birmingham Rep);Pericles, Antony and Cleopatra, Marat/Sade, The Grain Store, The Drunks, The Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes, I’ll Be the Devil, Cordelia Dream (RSC); Opera includes: Salome, Macbeth, The Flying Dutchman, Noye’s Fludde, Hansel & Gretel (NI Opera); Elisir D’amore, The Barber of Seville, Manon Lascout (Opera Holland Park).

Sean TurnerDesigner Sean graduated as an Illustrator from The Kent Institute of Art and Design before studying on the Motley Theatre Design

CREATIVE TEAM

Mia Foo Bazil Meade

Seth Daood, Astrid Malsen, Jim Mulligan, Sonia Yiadom-Hut & Hilary Hodsman Ola Aralepo, John Bailey, Alejandro Martinez-Monge, Ro Kapila & Philip McVey

Jessica Duncan, Victoria Edah, Raluca Chereji & Alma Ramnauth

Course in 2006/7. He is the Associate Designer for the LAS theatre, an associate artist at the Ventnor Exchange and has worked with Punchdrunk Enrichment developing and designing shows for the past six years. In 2013 the Punchdrunk production of The House Where Winter Lives was commissioned and staged at the Perth International Arts Festival. Sean is currently designing: this year’s Leeds City Varieties Rock n’Roll Pantomime; Robin Hood; a series of events for City Read (Look Left Look Right); The Lost Carnival (Wild Rumpus/ LAS Theatre) and The Southampton Plot (The Point Theatre Eastleigh).

Duncan McLeanVideo DesignerDuncan’s theatre work includes: City of Angels, Henry VI and Privacy (Donmar Warehouse); Richard III (Trafalgar Studios); Urinetown (Apollo); Shrek the Musical (UK Tour and Drury Lane); War Horse Prom (Royal Albert Hall); Derren Brown: Infamous (Palace Theatre/UK Tour); The Bodyguard (Adelphi/UK Tour); Inside Wagner’s Head (Royal Opera House); If Only (Chichester); Let It Be (West End/Broadway/Worldwide); The Flying Dutchman, Macbeth (NI Opera); Epidemic (The Old Vic Tunnels); All New People (Duke of York’s / UK tour); Chris Cox: Fatal Distraction (UK Tour); A Flea in Her Ear, The Tempest, The Real Thing, The Norman Conquests, All About My Mother (The Old Vic) and Frost/Nixon (Gielgud).Television work includes: BBC News, London Olympics 2012 and BT Sport.

Jack KnowlesLighting DesignerJack trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama. Credits include: Happy Days (Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg); 2071 (Royal Court/Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg); The Forbidden Zone (Salzburg Festival/Schaubühne Berlin); Hopelessly Devoted (Paines Plough); Debris (Southwark

Playhouse); The Wardrobe, The Kilburn Passion, The Riots (Tricycle); Sorrow Beyond Dreams (Burgtheater, Vienna); Blink (UK tour); Lungs, Yellow Wallpaper (Schaubühne Berlin); The Sound of Music (Jordan Cultural Festival);There Has Possibly Been an Incident (Manchester Royal Exchange/Edinburgh/UK Tour); Moth (Hightide/Bush Theatre); Say It With Flowers (Hampstead Theatre); Tommy (Prince Edward Theatre); Reise durch die Nacht (Halle Kalk, Schauspiel Köln)

Avgoustos Psillas Sound Designer Autograph is a leading British sound design and equipment hire company, responsible for numerous theatre productions at home and abroad, including: Les Misérables, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia!, The Book of Mormon and many others. Avgoustos’ most recent credits include: Olivier Awards 2015 (London, ROH), Shrek (UK tour), Hobson’s Choice and Winter’s Tale (OAT Regent’s Park); Blues in the Night (Hackney Empire); Spamalot (UK tour); Epidemic (The Old Vic Tunnels); Avenue Q (UK tour); Legally Blonde (UK tour).

Clemmie ForfarProducerClemmie joined Old Vic New Voices in 2012 as a producer on The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices. She is now producer for The Old Vic Community Company; credits include Housed (2014). She co-founded Made By Brick in 2011; their work includes Responsible Other at Hampstead Theatre (2013). Other production credits include a year-long residency as Associate Producer (The Yard Theatre, 2013) and Assistant Producer for Sixty-Six Books (Bush Theatre, 2011).

Julia McShane Associate Director Julia is co-founder and artistic director of new writing theatre company The Story Project. As one of the directors for The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices

Hannah Ford and members of the cast and choir

Andrew McWhirter & Saffron Coomber Sherma Polidore

in 2012 she has also worked with them on the TS Eliot Commissions and Gala shows. She has directed at Soho Theatre, The Arcola, Bristol Old Vic, Nuffield Theatre Southampton, Assembly Rooms, The New End Hampstead, Southwark Playhouse and Theatre503. Julia also volunteers regularly with children’s theatre mentoring charity Scene and Heard.

Vik SivalingamAssociate DirectorVik graduated from Birkbeck, University of London’s MFA in Theatre Directing programme and holds a Post Graduate Award in Teaching Shakespeare from Warwick University. Selected credits include: Pericles; Much Ado About Nothing; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Glass Menagerie; Uncle Vanya; Blue/Orange; The Bullet and Home. Vik was Resident Director at the RSC (2008–2011) and is currently the Resident Director on Made in Dagenham the Musical at the Adelphi Theatre.

Sara GreenMovement AssistantSara joins Anna on the Old Vic New Voices movement team for the first time. Currently finishing

postgraduate training in dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Sara works as a movement director and choreographer on projects within theatre, film and academia whilst beginning to make her own work exploring dance, design and choreology. Recently Sara has worked on movement for the Derek Jarman Lab, Young Vic and Boris Charmatz @ Tate Modern.

Stanley Orwin-FraserAssistant Video Designer Stanley is a freelance animator and video designer now working chiefly in live entertainment. He graduated from the University of Leeds with BA Honours Degree in Cinema & Photography in 2013. Stanley went straight on to designing the projection for Kashchei the Immortal and La Princesse Jaune (Buxton Opera House), both of which were headliners at the Buxton Festival. He has since contributed to a variety of productions including Privacy (Donmar Warehouse); Idylls of the King (Oxford Playhouse); Still Game: Live (SSE Glasgow Hydro); John Bishop: Supersonic Tour (UK tour); Ghost: The Musical (English Theatre); Mother Goose (Chipping Norton

Theatre); and City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse).

Toby PeachBBC Fellow in Community Production / Assistant DirectorToby joined Old Vic New Voices in January 2015 as the BBC Fellow in Community Production. After graduating from East 15’s Community Theatre course, he has worked with a range of companies as he develops his practice, working extensively with theatre-makers Coney and NYT. Toby will also be showcasing his debut solo show at Edinburgh after winning the IdeasTap Underbelly Award.

Laurence Cook Assistant DirectorLaurence is a graduate of the University of York and has received training as part of the Young Vic Directors Network and the Royal Court Young Writers Programme. As director, recent credits include: Cocktail Hour (Hen & Chickens); Train Text (Central School); Hostages, All Isn’t Lost (Theatre503); Say It Loud Enough (The Roundhouse, Take Courage); Measure for Measure, Road, The Drunks (UOY). As Assistant/Associate Director, recent credits include:

The Broken Heart (Shakespeare’s Globe); The Realness (The Big House/Hackney Downs Studios); Japes, Japes Too, Michael, Missing Dates (Hampstead Theatre); The Good Person of Sichuan, Privacy, Cash (Mercury, Colchester).

Philippa HoggAssistant DirectorPhilippa is a performer and theatre maker whose background is largely in devised ensemble theatre. She has collaborated with a variety of companies and artists across the country and is very excited to be part of the team for Ages, her first OVCC show. Philippa enjoys working as an assistant director and musical director and also leads workshops for Old Vic New Voices’ Schools Club.

Sam FraserProduction ManagerSam is currently Production Manager for the Buxton Opera Festival. He was Technical Stage Manager with Contact, Manchester and has toured with many other companies including NBT, Apollo and ATG. Sam has also run a number of pubs alongside his theatrical work.

Charlotte McBreartyStage ManagerCharlotte trained at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth. Charlotte is a Freelance Stage Manager who has worked all over the UK and abroad. She has worked on productions that have received nominations for the Olivier Awards, and won Whatsonstage Awards. She returns to Old Vic New Voices after working on their community show Epidemic, two years ago, and is delighted to join The Old Vic Community Company this year, for Ages.

Anna HunscottDeputy Stage ManagerAnna graduated from the Stage Management and Technical Theatre course at LAMDA in 2013. Since then she has toured the UK extensively with shows and has stage managed productions at Birmingham Rep, The Tricycle, Roundhouse and Soho Theatre, and has won a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Chloe TurnerAssistant Stage ManagerChloe recently graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) with a degree in Stage Management and Technical Theatre. Whilst at ALRA Chloe completed placements at Battersea Arts Centre and the BBC. Since graduating Chloe has worked on a range of productions from TV and musicals to site-specific. Chloe also works in events and has recently worked for YouTube at their London Brandcast.

Stefani ZivanicAssistant Stage ManagerStefani is a recent Stage and Costume Management graduate from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As well as working on new pieces of writing such as Butterfly Man at Bristol Mayfest, Njogel at Tete-a-Tete Opera Festival, and most recently A Local Boy at The Pleasance in London, Stefani has also worked as an Assistant Stage Manager with the Birmingham Royal Ballet during their 2014 UK tour in addition to their Christmas season at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Linda CoplandWardrobe SupervisorOriginally trained in Theatre Wardrobe at Wimbledon School of Art, Linda has worked for many years in film, television and theatre working in many roles from Sound Technician to Stage Manager as well as concentrating on Theatre Costume. She is an experienced costume maker and has recently worked on films including Cinderella, Pan, Alice Through the Looking Glass and Beowulf.

Caroline StevensAssistant Wardrobe SupervisorCaroline is currently in her second year of studying Costume Production at Rose Bruford College. Since Wardrobe Supervising for Old Vic New Voices’ production of Housed last July, Caroline has assisted and made costumes for shows at Stratford Circus Theatre as well as working on short films including The Walk in association with Yellow Balloon Films.

Ross CrosbyProduction AdministratorRoss is a freelance director and facilitator working on education and community projects. He has worked for a number of theatres

including The Arcola, Tricycle, Hoxton Hall and GLYPT. As an assistant director credits include: A Declaration from the People (National Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Arcola); How to Make Your Soul Grow (Arcola); Once it’s Over the Audience Will Cheer (Arcola, Hackney Live).

Joe SpurgeonProject AssistantJoe is currently seconded to the Old Vic New Voices team as part of the National Theatre’s Step Change programme. Commuting from his home city of Bristol, Joe also works for Bristol Old Vic and has helped facilitate and produce creative learning projects for Bath Theatre Royal, the Royal Opera House, Birmingham REP and English Touring Opera. Joe is also a trained journalist.

Sinead SkinnerAssistant Wardrobe SupervisorSinead started working in costume in 2013 after studying photography and working in television production. She has worked in theatre including; The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales) and Little Revolution (Almeida), film and on the award-winning Channel 4 series Toast of London.

Wendy Fisher, Odene Beckford, Pushpsen Joshi, Nick Simons & Astrid Malsen Scott Wright, Andrew McWhirter, Saffron Coomber & Judith Arkwright Andrew Butler, Esther Walters, Hayden McLean-Williams, Anita Lancet & Sophe Miller-Sheen Abi Corbett & Scott Wright

THE AGES OF AGES

1918The Old Vic celebrates its 100th

birthday.

1931Anita Lancet (cast) born. Sadler’s Wells Theatre opens in Farringdon, having started at The Old Vic in 1925.

1934Nick Simons (cast).

1936Jim Mulligan (cast). Michael Redgrave, Alec Guinness and Laurence Olivier join the company for the first time and perform Richard III. Kevin Spacey takes on the title role on The Old Vic stage to critical acclaim in 2011.

1937Lilian Baylis – esteemed manager of The Old Vic – dies on 25 November, the day of the dress rehearsal for Macbeth starring Laurence Olivier.

1941The Old Vic was hit by a bomb on 10 May, the day the Blitz ended.

1944Tisa Bateman (cast). In 1944, the company at The Old Vic perform

in alternative venues, mainly the Noël Coward Theatre until The Old Vic is ready to re-open in 1950.

1946Alma Ramnauth (choir). The Joint Council of The Old Vic and National Theatre is established.

1947The Old Vic Theatre School is founded, eventually becoming the Bristol Old Vic.

1950Sylvie Broudou (choir). A performance of Twelfth Night on 14 November 1950 celebrates the reopening of the theatre.

1951Judith Arkwright (cast), John Bailey (choir), Janet Morris (backstage). A Streetcar Named Desire is released in cinemas. Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother performs at The Old Vic in 2007, drawing references to the original Tennessee Williams play.

1952Gerry Carroll (cast).

1953Helen Evans (cast), Wendy Fisher (cast), Hilary Hodsman (cast).

Under director Michael Benthall Shakespeare’s complete First Folio is staged for a second time, beginning with Hamlet. Richard Burton is cast in the lead role for the first time.

1954Marc Dorfman (cast), Astrid Maslen (cast), Bill Noce (cast). Musician Annie Lennox is born. Annie performed at Kevin Spacey’s gala celebration at The Old Vic earlier this year.

1956Gerry Knoud (backstage).

1957Patricia Bailey (backstage), Philip McVey (choir). Judi Dench joins The Old Vic for the first of four seasons, with her parts including Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Romeo and Juliet. 1959Julian Cox (cast), Isabella Wise (cast).

1960Yvette London (choir).

1962Lorraine McDonald (backstage). Olivier appointed first director

of the National Theatre. The Old Vic governors agree to offer the theatre as its temporary home.

1964Ola Aralepo (choir), Caron Kehoe (cast), Andrea Pope (backstage). Laurence Olivier and Maggie Smith starred in Othello.

1965Yvonne Lazarus (choir).

1966Adolfo Espina-Sanchez (backstage).

1967Nora Luppo (backstage), Dean Martin Steers (backstage).

1968Indira Sengupta (backstage).

1969Fiona White (choir).

1970Wayne Herbert (cast), Sheila McCabe (cast).

1973Miles Gibson (backstage), Pushpsen Joshi (cast), Simon

Lambert (backstage). Olivier’s last stage performance in Trevor Griffiths’ The Party. 1974Ro Kapila (choir).

1977Sam Barnes (cast), Catharine Green (backstage), Nathalie St Clair (cast). The Old Vic becomes the home of the Prospect Theatre Company. Productions include Hamlet with Derek Jacobi, Antony and Cleopatra with Alec McCowen and Dorothy Tutin, and Saint Joan with Eileen Atkins.

1978Denis Erd (backstage), Elfie Frazer (choir) & Ben Tiramani (cast).

1980Hannah Ford (cast), Elisabeth Kersey (choir), Alejandro Martinez-Monge (choir).

1981Odene Beckford (cast), Marketa Flynovva (backstage), Patricia Gilvaia (backstage), Phillip Ikeotounye (cast).

1982Andrew Butler (cast), Claire Hack (choir), Li Keegan (backstage),

Sonoko Obuchi (backstage). The Old Vic is put up for sale through a sealed bid. Canadian entrepreneur Ed Mirvish outbids Andrew Lloyd Webber and spends £2.5 million restoring the building. The restoration goes on to win architectural awards.

1983Amanda Brown (choir), Sonia Yiadom-Hut (backstage). Tennessee Williams dies. The Old Vic stages a production of his play Sweet Bird of Youth in 2013, directed by Marianne Elliott and starring Kim Cattrall.

1984Liz Pagett (backstage), Maria Suarez (backstage), Esther Walters (cast). David Mamet wins a Pulitzer Prize for Glengarry Glen Ross. In 2008, Kevin Spacey stars alongside Jeff Goldblum at The Old Vic in Mamet’s comedy Speed-the-Plow.

1985Balesquida Menendez De Luarca (backstage), Margarita Pita (backstage).

1986Sherma Polidore (cast). The Old Vic stages Henry IV parts I and

II. Laurence Olivier starred in the title role at The Old Vic in 1945.

1987Nikolaos Brahimllari (cast), Amy Fleming (cast), Mia Foo (cast), Anneka Gouldbourne (choir), Fiona Johnstone (choir), Andrew McWhirter (cast).

1988Madeleine Carroll (backstage), Simon Langley (cast), Sachmo Quain (cast).

1990Nana Aboagye (backstage), Shelley McDonald (cast), Thomas Simper (cast), Scott Wright (cast). Brian Friel writes Dancing at Lughnasa. In 2009 it was staged at The Old Vic starring Andrea Corr.

1991Raluca Chereji (choir), Xun Ning Choong (backstage), Abi Corbett (cast), Jessica Duncan (choir), Victoria Edah (choir).

1992Anna Holloway (choir), Kate Kelley (choir), Magdalene Lepri (backstage), Janise Sadik (choir), Molly Sweeney (cast).

1993Sophie Miller-Sheen (cast), Jahzmon Robinson (choir), Sinta Tangkudung (backstage).

1994Luigi Castaldo (choir), Saffron Coomber (cast).

1995Adam Parkinson (cast).

1996Chance Perdomo (cast), Violet Vincent (choir).

1997Seth Daood (cast), Hayden McLean-Williams (cast), Kassius Nelson (cast), Debbie Osibodu (choir). Peter Hall returns with a classic repertory season includes Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, with Ben Kingsley.

1998Lady Pearl Tawia (cast). Transfer of the Almeida’s production of The Iceman Cometh is a huge success. Kevin Spacey wins the Evening Standard Drama and Olivier Awards as Best Actor. The Old Vic is acquired by The Old Vic Theatre Trust 2000, a registered charity set up by Sally Greene.

This timeline shows the birth years of The Old Vic Community Company’s 100 members, from 25 boroughs across London, taking part in Ages alongside events connected to The Old Vic’s history

Members of The Old Vic Community Company working on Ages; cast, choir, backstage and creative team

THE COMING OF AGES

Joe Spurgeon speaks to director Alexander Ferris and writer Alexandra Wood about the development of Ages and the growth of The Old Vic Community Company.

Ages is the second production by The Old Vic Community Company. It’s a truly epic story, told by many characters over many years. What lies at its heart?Alexandra Wood: There are a lot of characters, but Olive is at the heart of the play – she’s lived a long, full life, but this isn’t a eulogy – she’s not dead yet! She draws strength from telling her story, it reminds her how much she’s done, revives her.

It’s partly a play about the act of storytelling I suppose, how we all have extraordinary stories, even if we don’t think of them as such. I wanted it to be a celebration of life, uplifting and joyous. There’s something inherently joyous about a group of people coming together to make something, for no other reason than because they want to, so I wanted the play to reflect that too.

Alexander Ferris: Alexandra and I talked about the play being a journey, being

epic, and I called it Ages because I wanted to portray a sense of that scale.

One of the things we were really clear about from the start was that we didn’t want Ages to be a reminiscence piece. In essence, it’s about lives lived. There are often contrasting perceptions of old people. At the one extreme, they can be seen as a burden on society; at another as something of a marvel because they’ve reached 100 and still go swimming, for example. There is an element of truth in both, but of course there is much more in between. Ages reminds us that everyone has an epic story to tell.

AW: Ages touches on a lot of universal themes: the change in the parent-child relationship as a parent gets older; what it means to care for someone; the loss of those we love; wondering why it is we’re here. There’s certainly no message, but if the audience engage with the characters and the themes and have a good night, that’s more than enough!

During the play, we see all sorts of people striving to find their place in the world. Are you worried by the degrees of division amongst London’s communities? AW: We’re very good at dividing ourselves into groups based on an infinite variety of factors – wealth, age, belief, education, accent, place of birth, sporting allegiances, music taste, facial hair – and in a city as big as London it’s easy to live in your own little bubble and not worry too much about others, but there are also plenty of projects such as this one which give cause for optimism, and prove we can also be very good at coming together.

AF: It can be easy to fall through the gaps in London. But it is a place that’s full of community. This project epitomises that. 150 people are in our Community Company now and most of them are involved in Ages. When they are in a room together, there’s nothing like the buzz – there’s so much experience, excitement and vitality; there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

The Old Vic Community Company performed their inaugural show, Housed, last year. How has the company and the project developed since then?AF. We have learnt a lot from year one, including the importance of finding the right space to perform and rehearse in. The Workrooms allows us to house our Community Company in one place providing a space to be creative and allow a true community spirit to develop. It was always our intention to grow each year, offering more opportunities to more people with each production. As our membership grows year on year a real sense of a company is beginning to emerge and although some of those from the last production are not performing this year, we plan in our third year to have as many of our company members from both years together on and off stage in a truly epic way, giving the project a real continuity into the future. What opportunities does working with such a large community company present?AW: It’s very rare, if not unique, to have an opportunity to write for a cast this size. It certainly forced me to think about epic stories – it’s no coincidence I drew inspiration from The Odyssey for the play. I wanted an expansive, meandering story that could contain many stories, and allow for twists and turns and digressions. I also knew there’d be opportunities for big set pieces, where lots of people together on stage can make a visual impact.

AF: The Odyssey is a great cradle for exploring a life lived. We all have struggles, have to overcome challenges, stay strong in difficult times. Alex has very cleverly woven together the useful elements of The Odyssey to give this story heart, excitement and more than a little bit of magic. And having lots of people provides an epic palette for us to draw a picture of London evn in the most surreal bits.

Having lots of people means we can give the piece a dynamic fluidity, both in terms of the set and the world we create, but it also brings an energy all of its own. We often have 16 year olds sitting down for lunch with 82 year olds. It’s a stimulating environment, never boring. There are always a million different people to talk to and a million different stories to hear.

…and the challenges?AW: The main challenge is in tying all the twists and turns and digressions together, in making it a coherent whole, with a strong story at its heart driving the play forward. I always wanted it to be an ensemble piece, with no ‘main part’, and although Olive is clearly at the heart of the play, the good thing about telling the story of her whole life is that we could use different performers to represent her at different moments.

You also have the extraordinary London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) on board this year. What do they add to the mix?AF: I listen to a lot of gospel based music and felt it sat well with the epic nature of Ages. I love what they do and the London Community Gospel Choir was always going to be the first name on the list – they’ve worked with lots of people I love and admire including Damon Albarn and many, many more. And when I met Bazil [Meade – LCGC’s founder], I discovered we shared similar views about community, about what singing can do for people, what theatre can do, and it just felt right. He’s an extraordinary man and they are an extraordinary company. Having a choir also gives The Community Company an extra dimension and hearing them singing together is just so uplifting.

What’s next for The Old Vic Community Company?AF: Under our new Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, we will present our third show on The Old Vic stage and for a longer run next year, which will be amazing. We’ll have the full company involved, we’ll have curtain raisers from our community writers and performers, it’ll be part Olympic opening ceremony and part kitchen sink drama about the environment, it will be all sorts of things… and all of them wonderful!

Alexandra Wood Alexander FerrisMembers of the cast and choirAnneka Gouldbourne & Anna Holloway

Tales from the CityOn a visit to see The Old Vic Community Company

in rehearsal, 91-year-old Winnie Salisbury, a lifelong local, recalls her memories of south London.

My mother was one of eight, I was one of 11, though I’m the only one left now. My mother was a midwife’s assistant and

they always used to say she brought her work home with her!

I was born in Peckham, which isn’t far from here. I went to school there and have never really moved out of the area. This place [The Workrooms, where Ages is being rehearsed and performed] reminds me of an old building site that used to be here. It’s changed so much. There used to be a big biscuit factory called Peek Freans nearby and opposite was a chocolate factory called Shuttleworth’s. I worked for a little while in Peek Frean’s packing orders to send out to shops in the 1950s. But Bermondsey was very different then. There was more poverty. There wasn’t as much for people to do as they didn’t have the money to do things.

My husband was in the army and I worked in the War Office during the war. I remember the Blitz. We got hit three times in one week but we were very lucky really. I lost a friend. I also lost my husband 25 years ago and my son died of leukaemia eight years ago. You shouldn’t have to bury your children, but you just have to carry on. Life has to go on. I still have a little cry every now and again but if you get miserable, you make the people around you miserable.

I keep myself busy. Every Tuesday morning I go to singing group, on a Wednesday morning I go to a reminiscence group, on a Friday morning I go to a gentle exercise group and on Saturday night my daughter and I go to bingo. The more you can get involved with, the better life is, I think. I used to go swimming a lot, I’ve done plenty of dancing, reading and puzzles. I keep my

mind going. Not everyone can get about but I think it’s important to engage in social activities – you need stimulation. Some people stay in. Some people get depressed. That’s why it’s so important to bring groups like this one together.

London’s a large place and there must be lots of little places where people are alone and have nowhere to go. And young people need to get together as much as us!

There’s a real mixture of people here. I’ve always mixed with different people and have always enjoyed it. You find out all sorts. People help each other, and that’s how it should be.

London can also be very small sometimes. Then again, so can the world.

Marc Dorfman & Astrid Maslin Helen Evans & Sophie Miller-SheenWinnie Salisbury & Jim Mulligan. Winnie spoke to Hilary Hodsman and Helen Evans – who play central character

Olive across two generations – about what it was like growing old in south London, where Ages is set

Everybody knows that people are living longer but few appreciate the scale and importance of

the historically unique transition that is taking place from a mainly young to a predominantly older population. Average life expectancy is increasing at a rate of around two years in every ten, or five hours every day. The queen can no longer personally congratulate those reaching 100 years, because there are more than 10,000 of them, so she needs a dedicated office to assist her. It is estimated that 10 million people alive today and one half of all babies from this year will live to be at least 100. This remarkable trend shows no sign of abating and, in fact, has been on a linear upward trajectory for 150 years.

The main reason for the new longevity is that many of the causes of premature death in previous generations have been overcome by a combination of public health measures and medical advances. It is the combination of increased longevity with an historically low birth rate that causes the rise in the average age of the population – more older people, fewer young ones.

Ageing is a universal process but its pace and impact vary hugely across the population. The individual variations within broad age cohorts are actually greater than those between them. Thus it is not homogeneity that characterises old age but heterogeneity. The majority of older people are fit and healthy and well able to take care of themselves. This is particularly the case for the young-old (or third age) where, for many, 70 is the new 50 in terms of their physical capabilities. It is only when people reach advanced ages, say from around the age of 80, that severe

mental and physical limitations become more prevalent and increasingly so towards death. Even among the oldest-old group, however, there are large variations in capability and, despite the stereotype of frailty, most 80 year olds are mobile and looking after themselves.

This begs the question of why we age and, at this moment, there is not a precise answer to it. Biological ageing results from cumulative wear and tear, over time, which damages our bodies – DNA, molecules, cells, organs, body systems. We are not pre-programmed genetically to age, there is no ‘ageing gene’. It is a lifelong process which begins in our mother’s womb and continues until death. The process of wear and tear results in loss of various functions usually as a result of chronic conditions such as stroke, diabetes and coronary heart disease. What causes this wear and tear? Again it is not genetic but common risk factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, stress, air pollution, social deprivation, unhealthy work and so on. Our own behaviour influences exposure to some but not all of these risk factors. Because of variability in exposure to risk factors and the interaction between these and our genetic makeup the outcomes in later life can be very different for people of the same age.

Can we vary the ageing process? In a nutshell, yes. If we can limit the damage done by the various risk factors, by a combination of public policy and lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce the chances of developing one or more of the chronic conditions that lead to loss of function. One proven way to do this, for example, is physical

exercise. Moderate physical activity is associated with reduced risk of a wide range of chronic conditions and also with the maintenance of mental capacity.

One major cause of differences in ageing, longevity and premature death is inequality. The most affluent can expect longer and healthier lives than those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The gap between the richest and poorest is a staggering extra nine years of life and 19 years of healthy life. The question is why, as a society, do we tolerate such differences?

Another important influence on ageing and longevity is social relationships. Human beings are essentially social animals and therefore, throughout life and especially in later life, not participating in social relationships is a major risk factor for ill-health which is on a par with smoking and physical inactivity. In other words, loneliness kills. This emphasises the importance of community engagement initiatives, such as Old Vic New Voices. This is particularly the case for arts-based initiatives. The New Dynamics of Ageing Research Programme demonstrates that participation in the arts and music is a major under-utlised (and under-funded) source of well-being among older people.

The fact that more people are living longer should be a cause for celebration. Too often, it is regarded as a problem and cause for alarm. Such negative responses divert attention from the really critical questions of what it means to be an ageing society and how we can prepare better for it so that everyone has a chance to live as actively and healthily for as long as possible.

the longevity revolution

Image by iStockPhoto

Professor of Social Policy and Social Gerontology at the University of Sheffield, Alan Walker, addresses what he believes to be at the heart of our ageing population.

Ageing – there’s a lot more of it about. And it’s on the increase. These days the average person in Britain

lives twice as long as two hundred years ago. Of course we know the reason why – our ancestors became better and better at tackling the causes of unnecessary, premature deaths. Whereas in 1900 only half the population was likely to survive past 55, in 2000 it was 81. With early deaths being progressively eliminated, it was thought that more and more of us would simply hit the barrier of old age, which was assumed to be fixed – something specified by our genomes. But what has become apparent over the last few decades is that the old assumptions were wrong. Everything about ageing is changing.

Today, not only are people living longer but on the average, we are reaching old age in better shape. Yet our attitudes are slow to catch up. Old prejudices die hard. We underestimate how long we are likely to live, and so we fail to prepare properly for our longer lives. All too often, negative

perception gets in the way of appreciating one of humanity’s greatest successes for what it truly is.

My own research has been on the science and medicine of ageing. At first, this was driven by simple curiosity about one of life’s great mysteries. By now we know why ageing occurs and in broad terms how it comes about. The challenge for the future is to use this knowledge to enhance the quality of our longer lives.

Far from being programmed to age and die, the body is programmed to survive. But in the past, when life truly was, for the most part, “nasty, brutish and short”, it was never worthwhile for our genomes to invest in maintaining the body well enough that we could last forever. All that was needed was a body that held together for as long as it was likely to be needed – perhaps 50 years, if one was lucky. Ageing results from the limited investment that our genomes made in longevity. So we age because our cells and organs gradually accumulate faults. This is the bad news.

The good news is that ageing is much more malleable than we used to think, and the evidence is all around us, in the growing numbers of ‘very old’ people brimming over with vitality.

These are uncharted waters. Never have humans collectively lived so long. We need the courage and determination of Columbus and Magellan to navigate our way into the brave new world of living longer. Science can help but it can only do so much. We as individuals must think and feel our way forward. What better way is there to do this than through the medium of drama? The Old Vic Community Company play Ages is a welcome stride in this direction.

Professor Tom Kirkwood CBE is one of the world’s leading authorities on ageing. He directed the Newcastle University Institute for Ageing and Health to international prominence. In 2001, he gave the BBC Reith Lectures on The End of Age which may be heard at: bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2001

changing age

Tom Kirkwood is a world leading professor of gerontology. Here, in an article based on his studies, he argues that the

landscape of ageing is changing for the better.

Image by iStockPhoto

1EXERCISE The benefits of exercise aren’t limited to losing weight. Even if you’re slim, you’ll still get health benefits from exercising, so there’s

no excuse to not get involved. Even a small amount of regular activity can lower the risk of developing major chronic diseases by up to 50%. Studies have also shown that muscle and bone loss can be stopped and even reversed through simple weight training that anyone can do at home. Try finding one way that you can do fun regular activity; walking the dog around the park, swimming at your local pool or taking a new fitness class.

2CHECK YOUR WEIGHT Obesity can reduce life expectancy by nine years. Recent figures say nearly 3 in 10 women and 4 in 10 men in

England are overweight. If you’re unsure about your weight you can go to your health centre to help you conduct a BMI calculation to find out if you’re a healthy weight.

3IMPROVE YOUR DIET Making simple changes can have huge effects. It is important to eat things you enjoy, so your

chocolate stash is safe, but always aim for a healthy and balanced diet. Try to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day; whether you’re cooking for a family, eating on the run, or on a tight budget, you can find tips and recipes to help you get them. Perhaps try introducing fish once or twice a week and reducing your intake of red meat.

4 TRY TO CUT OUT BAD HABITS Most people are unaware that regularly drinking more alcohol than is advised by the NHS can

lead to a wide range of long-term health problems. That may seem obvious but being aware of your own drinking levels and the impacts they can have can make a real difference. The health benefits of quitting smoking are almost immediate. Did you know that after just 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse return to normal? After 24 hours, your lungs start to clear. After three days you can breathe more easily, and your energy increases. Keep it up and you’re adding years to your life. Research shows that people who quit smoking by the age of 30 add ten years to their life. There’s no denying quitting can be tough, but you can visit your local chemist for nicotine replacement therapies or see your GP.

5 BE MINDFUL Many people find it hard to cope with the pressures of modern living. Every day, a quarter of a million people miss

work because of stress, with 75 per cent of all illnesses thought to be stress-related. And when times are hard, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga. Practising mindfulness can give people more insight into their emotions, boost their attention and concentration and improve relationships. It’s proven to help with stress, anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours, and can even have a positive effect on physical problems like hypertension, heart disease and chronic pain. Why not try ten minutes tomorrow?

6 IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP Nearly everyone has problems sleeping at some point in their life. It’s thought that a third of people in

the UK have bouts of insomnia. Most healthy adults sleep for an average of seven to nine hours a night; are you getting that regularly? Lack of sleep can affect relationships, your performance at work, and can delay recovery from illness. Good sleep starts with a good bedtime ritual including hot baths, limiting contact with technology for at least an hour before bed, reading a book and listening to the radio. Now you have an excuse to get the bath salts out!

7 TALK TO YOUR GP Many people are afraid of going to the doctor for a variety of reasons but your local GP is best placed to help you

and point you in the right direction. Your GP can help you with anything including:– Spotting early signs of cancer. One in three people in England is diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life. Cancer usually affects older people, but it can occur at any age. Detecting most cancers early means that treatment is more likely to be successful. Sometimes, noticing a small change, like a lump, changes to a mole, or unexplained weight loss, can make a big difference to your health. – Sexually transmitted infections (STI). It’s important to get a check-up if you’ve ever had unprotected sex as most symptoms can go unnoticed. Getting tested and treated for STIs is easy, and most infections can be cured. – Mental health. Suffering from anxiety,

paranoia, depression and other mental health problems are as important as physical concerns.

8STAY SOCIALLY ACTIVE We all know that friends are important for a happy life, but it has recently been discovered that

friendship could actually help us live longer. Studies on loneliness have found that social isolation is associated with a higher rate of death in older people and loneliness is the ‘hidden killer’ of the elderly. A regular social engagement may add as much to your life span as healthy measures such as cutting down cholesterol or lowering blood pressure. Even spending time with pets has been proven to reduce depression and increase wellbeing. What’s happening locally that you can get involved in?

9CHALLENGE YOUR MIND Stimulating mental activities, such as learning a foreign language, reading a challenging

book, playing games or attending a talk may keep you mentally alert as you age. Studies indicate that the more time you spend in school, the better able you will be to keep dementia at bay. Learning is the most fundamental brain workout—and the more you do it, the more you’ll benefit. Whether it’s a crossword puzzle or a game of Sudoku, doing challenging puzzles is a way of activating the brain—and a great way to help keep it healthy.

10 HELP SOMEONE ELSERecently, York University study participants were asked to behave helpfully

or considerately toward another person for just a few minutes a day. After six months, participants reported much greater self-esteem and happiness than those in the control group. Not only is doing good deeds sure to spike your mental wellbeing, but more and more research proves there are physical benefits, too. Studies have found that people who make a habit of helping others report better health than those who don’t.

If you need any advice or have questions then do speak to your GP, your local chemist or seek health advice.

TEN THINGS TO IMPROVE & INCREASE

YOUR HEALTHY LIFE

Gerry Carroll & Judith Arkwright

OLD VIC NEW VOICES Nurturing emerging talent, inspiring young people and opening up

our theatre to everyone

We are the award-winning talent development, creative learning and community engagement department of The Old Vic. Here’s what we do:

COMMUNITY In 2013 we launched The Old Vic Community Company. Over three years, this project will tackle social isolation, increase individual wellbeing and reach out to the diverse and ambitious members of London’s community to talk about and explore shared social issues. You can take part in our drop-in sessions; join one of our theatre bootcamps; be part of our research workshops or audition to be part of our next inspiring community production.

EDUCATIONOur renowned education projects provide schools with free theatre tickets to every Old Vic production as well as bespoke learning experiences at the theatre, in the classroom and online. Throughout June and July, Old Vic New Voices will be touring secondary schools in London with Match Fit, a new play by James Baldwin. Match Fit explores how young people can learn to cope positively with pressure and stress as they grow older and directly challenges perceptions of mental illness.

TALENTThe Old Vic New Voices Festival will be a celebration of ten years of talent development, creative learning and community engagement at our theatre, comprising 13 plays, 13 directors, six producers, 50 artists and a Schools’ Tour. Our festival, brimming with performance poetry and musical entertainment, will run at The Old Vic between 19 June and 24 July.

To find out more and join the 8,000+ people we work with annually, visit oldvicnewvoices.com

@oldvicnewvoicesfacebook.com/oldvicnewvoices

Photo by Richard Lakos

‘It honestly changed my life. It’s been great being a part of something and feeling like part of a community... I have made friends for life. I always come away feeling invigorated, inspired and happy’

Project participant

THANK YOU The generous supporters who play a vital role in our work

M & G CassardJinder Chalmers Natasha CheungThe Chrishan Family Tim & Caroline Clark R N Clarke EsqVictoria J Cochrane Kelly & Dimitri ConstantinouChuck CopelandUte CredeFelicia Crystal Stefano & Joanne D’AndreaMark Deehan Sandra DennisMr Remmel T Dickinson*Brian & Estelle Doctor Dr Julie Doughty & Dr Paul TraffordW & J DouglasKendall DuesburyStephen Dunn Robyn DurieMark & Emma ElliottLinda EnfieldDavid Fawkes & Family Landgraf Fitting & Baroness Stern Penelope FitzherbertMark FothergillMark & Karon FoxwellPetra FrischDea FrydenlundNicholas & Priscilla GarlandMartha GibbsRichard Gillanders & Eva Elks Lynne GillonMary GodwinA & N Grasso Rupert & Robin Hambro*Niamh Hayes & Joseph PowderlyMargaret Heffernan & Lindsay NicholsonMichelle & Lawrence Herbert*Michael HerzogDr David J Hill Tina HorlerJonathan Hubbard-FordMr & Mrs C HumeJane IngramKaren Jensen-JonesJamil JivanjeeJennie Jones M A JonesAnn JosephSteve Kingshott Stephane KnaufFred Landman Aron LandyJacqueline & Marc LelandLarry & Peggy LevyRoy & Nicole LinnellProfessor Ann Lloyd KeenAnne Lycett MVOAndrew & Moira MacRaeBrian Marcus & Gayatri DesaiPeter McCartneySerrie MeakinsDaria MeshcherinaPeter Mihalik & Andrea MihalikovaAnthony Monaghan & Stuart HanburyBela Mongia Alexa MortonPaul & Alison MynersTamara Nance

Ann NealonSam Newman & Jeff JeffordYoshi & Anica NishioJared & Amy NoeringAnnie NorrisGeorgia OetkerKatharina OttmannNiral PatelW A Philip & Kristi ThompsonMrs T PhillipsCaroline Phitoussi* George Pincus MBE & Carolyn PincusPhilip & Sarah RichardsElif & Michael RidleyLouise RobsonTristan RogersElihu & Susan Rose*Peter & Michelle Rosenbauer Jackie & John RothenbergAndrew & Jenny Saville-EdellsDaniel & Ileana Sayre Jo ShelleyDasha ShenkmanNeil Sherlock Linda Shoare Belinda SpouseMike & Susanne StaceyKevin StewartLeila Strauss*Ladislav V SuchoparKevin & Cheryl SweeneyRobin Swid*Helen & Geoffrey TanterApril TeelingDavid & Sayoko TeitelbaumDavid Thomas QC & Victoria CochraneEric TomsettCarl & Lesley Tulley Bob & Anne Van GiesonPhill WardDeborah WilhelmiPádraig & Marie WrightSuki YamamotoSimone Ziegert

And individual supporters who wish to remain anonymous

CORPORATE SUPPORT

SEASON SPONSORBank of America Merrill Lynch

THE OLD VIC IN THE ROUND SPONSORCQS

UNDER 25s CLUBPwC

CORPORATE SPONSORSAmerican Express BalticBrunswick Group* Champagne TaittingerChivas RegalCinnamon CandyD&D LondonHam Yard Hotel Matthew ClarkMeantime Brewing Company

McKinsey & Co*Mondrian London at Sea Containers Ovation* The Savoy

CORPORATE MEMBERS

PREMIUM Bloomberg Bourne CapitalChristie’s

PLATINUMBennetts AssociatesBuro FourCanary Wharf GroupClifford Chance LLPRunwild Media GroupSG HambrosSkadden The Moody’s Foundation

GOLDAshurstAutographDLA PiperIOR Group The London General PracticeMACPi CapitalQuo VadisRichmond AssociatesShaftesbury PLCUK MailWhite LightWitherbys Lithoflow PrintingXL Video

TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS

Andor Charitable TrustBBC Performing Arts FundThe Behrens FoundationBlyth Watson Charitable TrustThe Charlotte Bonham-Carter Charitable TrustThe Boshier-Hinton FoundationCHK Charities LimitedCity Bridge TrustDelouvrier Family Foundation*The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust The Eranda FoundationThe Mohamed S Farsi FoundationThe Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable TrustThe Fidelio Charitable TrustBarbara & Stanley Fink FoundationThe Foyle FoundationJ Paul Getty Jr Charitable TrustThe GC Gibson Charitable TrustPeter Glenville Foundation*The Gosling FoundationThe Hearn FoundationThe Hintze Family Charitable FoundationThe Holbeck Charitable Trust The Marina Kleinwort Charitable TrustLloyds Community FundThe Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation

The Luscinus TrustThe Lynn Foundation John Lyon’s CharityStavros Niarchos FoundationThe Stanley Picker TrustThe Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust The Rose FoundationRoyal Norwegian EmbassyThe Royal Victoria Hall FoundationThe Sackler TrustThe Basil Samuel Charitable TrustSandra Charitable TrustSchroder Charity TrustSouthwark CouncilThe Bernard Sunley Charitable FoundationUnity Theatre Trust Vandervell FoundationWellcome TrustGarfield Weston FoundationThe Worshipful Company of GrocersThe Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers’ Charity

OLD VIC NEW VOICES

SPECIAL PROJECTS SUPPORTED BYThe Bloomingdale’s Fund of the Macy’s Foundation*The T S Eliot EstateThe Dr Mortimer & Theresa Sackler Foundation Time Warner*

* The American Associates of The Old Vic

The Old Vic gratefully acknowledges an award of £5 million in 2012 from the Catalyst Arts Endowment Fund, conditional on our raising £15 million match funding by 2015.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

PRODUCTION PARTNERSKevin & Alisa BurkeNick & Caroline ClarryWendy FisherThe Williams Charitable Trust

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLELouise & Jamie ArnellCelia & Edward Atkin CBECarolyn BennettSir Peter BlakeIsabelle de La BruyèreGordon Campbell GrayRichard CaringDina De Luca Chartouni*Sir Ronald & Lady CohenNick & Philippa CooperSiri & Rob CopeBob & Jennifer DiamondRobert EarlTracey EminDr Paul Ettlinger Ralph & Anna GoldenbergLydia & Manfred GorvyPhilip & Tina GreenPeter & Andrea De HaanRichard & Susan HaydenMichael & Dorothy HintzeSir Tom HunterBadr JafarAdam KenwrightStephen & Sigrid KirkEvgeny LebedevAlan & Marsha Nuriya LeeKenneth & Melissa Leet Viscount & Viscountess LinleyAnnie & Steven MurphyKay & David OrdMrs Glenys PalmerStephen & Yana PeelFrancesca RobinsonDavid Ross FoundationSir Evelyn & Lynn Forester de RothschildDame Theresa SacklerIan & Carol SellarsDavid & Manjy SidooScott & Kathleen Simpson Jonathan & Lisa SwinneySir David TangAdrian TeulonEdgar & Judith WallnerNigel WilsonPoju & Anita Zabludowicz

PRODUCERS’ CIRCLEMary & Irwin Ackerman*Tina AlexandrouJohn & Laura BanesClaire BullusMichael & Blake DaffeyMaureen GardnerSusan Gilchrist*Cerys & Paul Hopkirk Samantha & John HuntDaniel Krupnik & Hilla Bar KrupnikSimon & Nicki PhilipsThe David & Elaine Potter FoundationMrs Lily SafraAileen & Michael Sandle-BrownlieKenny & Ilona SchachterThe Peter J Solomon Family Foundation* Nicola StanhopeSonja & Aaron StocksChristian SweetingBruno Wang

BENEFACTORSJon & Julia AisbittArthur G Altschul Jr*The Alec Baldwin Foundation*Peter M Beckwith OBEMichael & Maria Paula BickfordArcher & Ashlee Bishop Charlie & Lulu BottGill & Paul Bowes MacLeodRoger Bradburn & Helen MainVanessa & John CackettKaran A ChananaEdward & Betsy Cohen*Councillor Kevin CraigMr & Mrs Geoffrey D Fink Daniel Gal & Maud De VisscherLaura GalloTerry & Nicola Hitchcock Sophie Hughes* Mrs Vanzel JohnsonMr & Mrs Philip KingsleyAndy LennardDr Sara LeveneRic Lewis & Ilina SinghAudrey Mandela & Sean PhelanLord & Lady Marks of BroughtonAlex McColl & Charles Wynn-Evans David & Alessandra Newton Peter & May NicolSusan Pilcher Annemarie PlatteauLee & Michael Profenius*David Rintels* Toni A Ritzenberg* Wendi & Joseph B Rose Foundation*

Ruddock Foundation for the Arts Jim & Linda Scholes Jon & NoraLee Sedmak* John & Ann SmithSue & Stuart StradlingJan E Taylor*Mr & Mrs WinnPeter & Sandra Young The Donald & Barbara Zucker Family Foundation*

PATRONSFizzy Barclay Countess Kelly Barel di Sant Albano Ralph & Yasmine Bernstein* Derek BettsJudith Bland GordonKeith & Lauren BreslauerAmjad & Suha BseisuJeanne & William CallananAngela Choon & Tommy SimoensMonica Corsi* Chris & Chris CoxPaul DarlingAvis Darzins & Tony PuseyMr & Mrs Walford DaviesSusie & Kevin Davis* Roz Evans Flagg & Paul Evans Sharon Finney Olivia Flatto* Sarah Gates & Michael LaneHon William GibsonRachael Gilbert Paul & Cindy Gillett Richard & Jan GrandisonChris HallMark W B HarmsCoreen R HesterSoo & Jonathan HitchinSara J Holmes-WoodheadDavid & Preety HuddDavid & Jenn Hudson Kate HudspethPenny & Thomas Jackson* Spencer & Linda Kahan Steve Keller & Berry BloomingdaleNicola Kerr Mark & Elizabeth Kogan*Latifa KostaMr & Mrs Herbert KretzmerNicholas Kukrika & Andrea LallyGordon Lee & Xuan ZhangAnn Lewis Molly Lowell & David Borthwick*Lesley Jane LynnRobert & Sally MacGregorZofia McLoughlinCheryl & Philip Milstein*Richard Mishaan*

Andrew & Charlotte MoffatAnne MonaghanKate O’NeillJeff & Sally OnionsKate O’ShaughnessyRobert Ouimette* William Pidduck Martin & Cathy PluckRose Polidoro*Richard PoneThe Porter FoundationKimberly Putzer*Patricia Ranken* Rosemary Reid Charitable Fund*Marion RubensRobert Sadotti & Viveca ThempoCarol & Lawrence Saper*Miss Aman SharmaKarin Sherman* Tom & Helena SikorskiMarion Speed Mrs Kara Lemont SportelliHugh & Catherine StevensonAdam & Sheri SticpewichStephen & Nancy ThoringtonSteve & Louise TimothySonia & Paul Tudor Jones*Margaret TurnerMatthew & Jo Turner Anthony & Kit Van TullekenInes Varela-SilvaMr & Mrs Xavier de VianaKevin & Susan WallaceMonica Gerard-Sharp Wambold & Ali E Wambold* Mr & Mrs Philip B Weymouth III* Ailsa WhiteDave WhiteSue WhiteAndrew & Skye WitneyDanny & Alison WitterAnn Wood & Don KellyThe Wu Family

ASSOCIATESDelya AllakhverdovaDr Dana Allen Elizabeth Allen & Andrew CampbellKemi Amondi Ian & Helen AndrewsLeena AshbyVincent & Kate AslangulGavin BishopBruno BoeschPrince Paolo Costantino Borghese*Andy & Liz BradnamPeter Braithwaite Nicole BueermannReto Cantone*

the old vic

Artistic Director Kevin Spacey CBEChief Executive Sally Greene OBE Artistic Director Designate Matthew Warchus

ExecutiveFinance Director Conor MarrenProducer John Richardson Chief Operating Officer Kate VarahExecutive Director of Development Vivien Wallace

Senior Management GroupHead of Finance Folahan AdegokeHR Manager Melinda BurtonDirector, Old Vic New Voices Alexander Ferris Production Manager Dominic FraserDevelopment Director Natasha HarrisHead of Theatre Operations Dan KujawskiMarketing Director Becky Pepper Theatre Operations Director Liz Sillett General Manager Tara Wilkinson

Box OfficeBox Office Supervisor Hannah BasfordBox Office Assistant Ian BassBox Office Manager Sophie Beattie Box Office Assistant Sarah BradnumBox Office Assistant Linsey BuchananBox Office Supervisor Shona DavisBox Office Assistant Lynne ForbesBox Office Systems and Database Manager Debbie HarlandBox Office Assistant Patrick HarrisBox Office Assistant Ed KeatesBox Office Assistant Conor NeavesBox Office Assistant Julian PattenBox Office Assistant Simon PaulBox Office Assistant Tracy RakiraBox Office Assistant Natalie SmithBox Office Assistant Katy StephensonBox Office Assistant David ThompsonBox Office Assistant Alexis Wilkinson- DefoeBox Office Supervisor ‘Didi’ Teh Zahirah Zuhuri

DesignGraphic Designer Peter CollinsHead of Design Stephen Long

DevelopmentTrusts and Foundations Executive Kate BirchHead of Trusts and Foundations Victoria Burton Individual Giving Manager Zoë ConnellCampaign Coordinator Dominic Cooper Prospects Researcher Helen GaffneyCorporate Partnerships Manager Olivia HighlandHead of Events Helen HodgeConsultant Hamish Jenkinson Head of Individual Giving Panni KanyukCampaign Manager Bhavna MalkaniIndividual Giving Coordinator Ruth Piper Assistant to the Executive Director of Development and Development Director Sarah ReubenEvents Manager Emma RobsonDevelopment Engagement Executive Alice Whitaker

The American Associates of The Old VicDirector of The American Associates of The Old Vic Gina Napoli

FinanceFinance and Payroll Coordinator Olga Barreto-Ibanez Management Accountant Nadika Basnayake Assistant to the Finance Director Nicola ChalmersManagement Accountant Julie Harford Assistant Accountant Ron LevyBox Office Assistant Accountant Jasmine Patel Management Accountant Bina TankariaAssistant Production Accountant Pavinder VirdiFinance Assistant Joe White

Front of HouseStock & Operations Support George Calderwood Duty Bar Manager David DobsonDuty Bar Manager David Frias-RoblesDuty Bar Manager Simon GrujichDuty FOH Manager Katy HeavensDuty FOH Manager Caecilie Hougaard Pedersen Stock & Operations Support Patrick JensenFOH and Bars Manager Danny KrohmDuty Bar Manager Sarah Langrish-SmithStock & Operations Support Conor NeavesDuty FOH Manager John NoronhaDuty Bar Manager Owen RobertsDuty FOH Manager Julian Ward

MarketingSenior Marketing Executive Sophie AndrewsMarketing Executive Liz MoonMarketing Assistant Laura Pryce

Old Vic New VoicesEducation and Community Manager Hannah FoskerOld Vic New Voices Intern Rebecca LathamBBC Fellow in Community Production Toby Peach

ProductionInterim Production Assistant Natasha Bloor Assistant to the Producer Tamsin ChmielowskaAssistant Producer Simon FliegnerExecutive Assistant to Kevin Spacey Beau GordonDeputy General Manager Lydia Scott

TechnicalDeputy Head of Wardrobe Louise AskinsStage Chargehand James BostonDeputy Head of Electrics Paul DavisonDeputy Head of Stage Steve GrantHead of Stage Tom HumphreyHead of Wardrobe Fiona LehmannHead of Electrics Miriam Spencer

Theatre ManagementAssistant Facilities Manager Tim AllwrightExecutive Assistant to Matthew Warchus Juliet ChippindaleAdministration Assistant to Sally Greene Kate GuestTheatre Administration Manager Pippa HowieFacilities Manager Deano McCullaghStage Door Keeper Steve NisbetExecutive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer Rowena Russell Stage Door Manager Ned SeagoTheatre Management Executive Katie Sewell Assistant to Matthew Warchus Cajsa SjöblomTheatre Operations Coordinator Katy Smith Assistant to Sally Greene Sara White

The Old Vic Theatre Trust Board of TrusteesNick Clarry, ChairmanAlan BanesRobert BourneStephen Daldry CBESally Greene OBEAnthony Horowitz OBEJoyce Hytner OBE Sir Elton John CBEKevin McGrathLady Samuel

The Old Vic Endowment Trust Board of TrusteesSir Michael Hintze, Co-ChairKevin Spacey CBE, Co-ChairAlan BanesNick Clarry

The Old Vic Theatre Company Board of DirectorsSally Greene OBE, ChairConor MarrenJohn RichardsonKevin Spacey CBEKate VarahVivien Wallace

The Old Vic Services Company Board of DirectorsAlan Banes, ChairConor MarrenKate Varah

The American Associates of The Old Vic Board of TrusteesDina DeLuca Chartouni, ChairAlan BanesSusan GilchristAnne KeatingMarsha LeeConor MarrenFrank Selvaggi

Artistic Associates Rob AshfordEdward HallDavid LiddimentAnthony PageThea SharrockMatthew Warchus

Development CouncilNick Clarry, ChairStef CalcraftChris de PuryDr Paul EttlingerMatthew FreudSally Greene OBENicola HowsonSigrid KirkCaroline McCormickJonathan NorburyScott SimpsonKevin Spacey CBEDee Stirling Sara Tate

misanthropes

comment is free

the natives

sucker

white hot and weak

jess and joe forever

sirius

15, 16, 17

the end of something

serious heroes

comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17

misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious

heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and

joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of

something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak

sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives

serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free

jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes

the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot

and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker

the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something com-

ment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 mis-

anthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes

white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forev-

er sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of some-

thing comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15,

16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious

heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and

joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of

something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak

sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives

serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free

jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes

the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot

and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker

the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something com-

ment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 mis-

anthropes the end of something comment is free jess and joe forever sucker the natives serious heroes

white hot and weak sirius 15, 16, 17 misanthropes the end of something

match fitjames baldwin

With additional support from

Leo and Sophie Voyazides, The Luscinus Trust, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Fidelio Charitable Trust, The Bloomingdale’s Fund of the Macy’s Foundation, the American Associates of The Old Vic, The h. Club Foundation and The Andor Charitable Trust

Supported by

The TS Eliot Estate

Illus

trat

ion:

Jam

es S

tein

berg

A brand new play for 11–14 year olds exploring mental health challenges for young people

touring london schools 22 june – 17 july 2015 for free for more information and to book for your school, visit oldvictheatre.com/matchfit

Celebrating the work of 20 exceptional emerging playwrights including readings of plays from the US and UK, a dynamic schools tour and the showcase of a new musical

19 june – 24 july 2015

for more information please visit oldvicnewvoices.com

0800 716543

More than two million people over 75 live alone in the UK. Contact the Elderly gives thousands of these profoundly lonely older people the regular contact they need.We can’t do it alone.

Take Sally and Harryto Sunday tea

www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk

Contact the Elderly is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146149) and in Scotland (SC039377) Company Number (07869142) Registered office: 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH

We need your help. Whether it’s driving an older guest to a local Sunday tea party each month, hosting a tea party in your home just twice a year, or donating money to help us start new groups.

#PowerOfContact

Text POWR15 £2/£5/£10 to 7007030 APR – 22 AUG 2015

Featuring hit songs including TRUE LOVE, WELL, DID YOU EVAH? and the unforgettable

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?

Music and Lyrics Cole Porter Book by Arthur KopitAdditional Lyrics by Susan BirkenheadBased on the play The Philadelphia Story by Philip BarryAlso based on the Turner Entertainment Co. motion picture High Society

The Old Vic Community Company is looking for more people from all backgrounds to join them for the first stages of their next project, Rise. Find out more by visiting oldvictheatre.com/rise