Three hard-hitting pieces of theatre inspired by people living and working in Paisley care homes are now coming to the small screen.
The Paisley Suite, a collection of three new 30–45-minute monologues exploring experiences of people in care, will be broadcast from tomorrow evening on Ren TV.
Produced by the Paisley-based Outspoken Arts Scotland, the Lovely Peas, The Registrars Final Entry and Something in the Air monologues have been inspired by recorded stories from retired and former care workers in Paisley.
Together they give a voice to working class women suffering dementia, queer women in later life and the difficult role of carers.
Their stories are now being told by award-winning Scottish stage and screen actors Ann Louise Ross, Janette Foggo and Benny Young whose performances will be screened on Ren TV over the next three evenings.
Mary McCluskey, director of The Paisley Suite, said: “I feel privileged to have been asked by Outspoken Arts to direct this important piece of work.
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“Each of the writers has created strong, inspirational characters that are positive role models for people over the age of 60 years.
“Johnny, Edna, and Sandy are memorable characters who will stay with us long after the monologue is done.
“It has been a joy to work with excellent writers and superb actors. I look forward to bringing them to life on film this year and on-stage next year.”
Lisa Nicoll said writing the Lovely Peas allowed her to give a working-class voice to a woman who is strong and gallous but is struggling to keep connected to the world through the onset of dementia.
She said: “I wanted to create a character who audiences can love and laugh with and show she has had a life and isn’t just a number in our care system.”
Commenting on her role as Edna, Janette Foggo, said: “Lisa’s very moving play touches on memory, food, love remembered, isolation, loneliness and dancing.
“It’s challenging remembering what to forget but a real pleasure to be working again on something so rewarding.”
The Registrars Final Entry has allowed writer Jack Dickson the chance to memorialise two very dear friends and pay tribute to the invaluable work done by carers in often in very trying circumstances.
Explaining the project was a “labour of love,” he said: “My eternal gratitude to the astonishing Benny Young - aided and abetted by Mary McCluskey - for bringing Johnny to life.”
Dr Zoe Strachan and Louise Welsh co-wrote Something in the Air, a piece they used to explore the anxiety many queer people feel around the possibility of needing care when older.
Their character Sarah represents a spirited, uncompromising and great fun older woman who has stories to tell.
She is brought to life by Annie Louise Ross, who said: “When Sandy sings ‘I am what I am, I am my own special creation’ it sums up this spirited, independent woman who despite being of a ‘certain age’ and having had a fall on the ice, still has an unstoppable zest for life.
“Thank you, Zoe and Louise for introducing me to her.”
Outspoken Arts Scotland hopes to bring The Paisley Suites to audiences across the country in Spring of next year.
The series will run on Ren TV from tomorrow, September 1, to September 3, with each monologue broadcast at 8pm.
Each episode is also available to view on YouTube at https://youtu.be/UlxGKH7Er1U
The Paisley Suite has been funded by Renfrewshire Council’s culture, heritage and events fund and Creative Scotland’s Open fund for sustaining creativity.
