“It genuinely has the potential to become a beloved staple of Australian theatre.”

Martin Cheney

A Box of Memories: A Musical

A Box of Memories is an intimate musical that presents perspectives on what it means to live with dementia, from diagnosis through to the end-of-life. Through a series of vignettes, it follows the story of Lizzy, a woman in her seventies, experiencing changes in memory and at the beginning of a life-impacting diagnostic experience; Sonia, Lizzy’s daughter, in her forties, frantically busy with work, family and struggling with what is happening with her mother, and unsure of what to do about it and Jeremy, a specialist doctor who becomes engaged with Lizzy’s care from diagnosis until the end-of-life.

The topic is confronting, but the show is honest and heartfelt and seeks to humanise an issue around which there continues to be considerable societal stigma.

The Development

What began as an idea in 2017 has now become a musical.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the leading cause of death for Australian women. This is seldom talked about and is a discomforting topic for many. This poignant, humorous and insightful musical shares Lizzy’s story, illustrating the experience of many people living – and dying – with dementia: an experience of changing function, relationships and identity. People with dementia frequently experience being invisible and dehumanised within health and social care settings – and in society more broadly. Yet, we believe that seeing the person rather than the illness, and finding their story is the key to caring for the person with dementia with dignity. Further, dementia not only effects the person but the entire family and the people who provide care for them.
'A Box of Memories' both entertains and informs the audience. We will only get better at understanding and working with dementia if we get better at talking and singing about it.

In January we began rehearsals for the premiere workshop of ‘A Box of Memories’ at the Adelaide Fringe 2022.

Our brilliant Adelaide cast included Kathie Renner as Lizzy, Lauren Henderson as Sonia and Mathew Noble as Dr. Jeremy. On piano we worked with genius David Goodwin. The show was a raving success, with a sell-out season, additional shows added, 5 star reviews and the Bank SA Best Theatre Award. Audiences were moved to tear and laughter whilst journeying through the show.