Contestants shine at Darlington Dementia’s Got Talent Show

People living with dementia who are supported by The Salvation Army got the opportunity to showcase their abilities at a special talent contest held at Darlington Hippodrome theatre. 

Taking to the stage for the Dementia’s Got Talent show were people living with the condition who are regular attendees at Darlington Citadel Salvation Army’s Memory Lane Activity Café, a monthly group run with home care providers Home Instead, which offers a safe and friendly environment for people with memory loss issues and their carers. 

As the Memory Lane Activity Café approaches its first anniversary, Major Shirley McKenzie, who leads Darlington Salvation Army, and her dedicated team were delighted to support participants who sang, played instruments, danced and performed comedy sketches in the show earlier this month. 

Major Shirley said: “It was an absolutely fantastic night. There were seven contestants who are living with the condition who took part. We had comedians, a salsa dancer, a 91-year-old lady playing piano, another playing the harmonica, and a husband and wife who did a comedy sketch and sang Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)!  

“The atmosphere in the theatre was electric, it was so supportive with everyone clapping along, singing and cheering. It was set up like Britain’s Got Talent with judges including the Mayor and Mayoress of Darlington, the President of the Rotary Club and drag artist Miss Ann Bag, who were all giving helpful comments. In the end they decided everyone was a winner. 

“It shows people with dementia can live a full and good life and that a diagnosis is not the end of life, it’s a new chapter. With the support of folk around you it’s amazing what can be achieved, which was demonstrated on this amazing night.” 

The event was supported by Reid Street Primary School Dementia Friendly Choir, Teesside’s Elderly Brothers and Darlington Operatic Society. Angela Rippon, broadcaster and Strictly Come Dancing star, who is an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, also appeared on screen to offer her support. 

It raised £8,000 through ticket sales and raffles which will be used to support dementia groups in Darlington.

Joanne Hendry, Community Engagement Officer with home care business Home Instead and volunteer with Dementia Friendly Darlington, who organised the event, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the show, it was an incredibly special night. 

“It achieved all that we wanted to and more, to showcase the personalities that carry on shining for those living with dementia. The performances were brilliant and our contestants showed that dementia doesn’t stop them living a fulfilled life.”

The Salvation Army runs Memory Lane Activity Café on the third Thursday of the month at its church and community hall in Thompson Street East. Working with Home Instead, it provides a safe and friendly environment for people with memory loss and their carers, as well as a range of activities like singing, armchair exercises, crafts and games.

Major Shirley continued: “A lot of folk at the talent contest come to our group so it was lovely to see them up on the stage. 

“The group itself is going very well and is well supported with new people coming. We’ve had lots of different activities from local line dancing group Texas Toe Tappers, swing fit, the football chaplain talking about Darlington Football Club, and people coming in to share their skills. It’s going from strength to strength.” 

Darlington Citadel Salvation Army also runs a number of weekly activities including a Connect group, bible study, community choir, lunch club, foodbank and coffee morning. For more information on Memory Lane Activity Café phone 07513 723302.