According to my calendar, I have been involved with National Theatre Wales' new play Before I Leave since 14th March. When we went along to that first meeting and belted out a quick version of 'Under Pressure' and 'Calon Lan', the idea that we might be in an actual play with proper, professional actors at the Sherman was a distant and not fully formed concept. But here we are, only a couple of weeks before previews begin, part of a wonderful and inclusive choir with a folder full of songs that we can sing and actually perform well! I am so excited and proud to be a part of this project, giving voice to those who have had theirs taken away by dementia and Alzheimers.

Because I am 24 and (fortunately) can't yet pass for someone in their 60s, I wasn't sure whether me and another equally fresh faced friend would be able to take part in a play that focuses on a dementia choir based in Merthyr. But luckily Ben (our dedicated choir coordinator/wrangler) came back to us and said we could still take part in the role of carers, or family members. I do still get funny looks when I tell people that I am in a play about a dementia choir, but I have always been told that I look young for my age. The choir came together with people from across South Wales, and over the past few months we have really gelled and now sound as if we have been singing together for years. A huge part of this has been thanks to the musical direction of Greg and Dyfan, who have worked tirelessly to make sure that we are ready for opening night. A huge thanks should go to them, particularly for constantly reassuring us sopranos that we actually sound alright, even though there are only four of us!

This play means a lot to me because my nan, who was born in Merthyr, has lived with Alzheimer's for a while now. She was/is a very musical woman and my mum remembers having classical music playing while the washing was being done on a Sunday during her childhood. So my involvement in this play is for my nan Dot. It's Alzheimer's Awareness Week this week and the Alzheimer's Society has some great information here about getting involved or getting advice. Or you can come along to the play and support the fight against dementia that way!