Be who you want to be with Duckie
Queer performance collective Duckie has branched out from its large-scale theatrical events to create three socially engaged arts clubs.
Supported by public funding through the Arts Council’s National Portfolio, Duckie now runs, The Posh Club, for audiences aged 60 and over; DHSS, a LGBT youth theatre; and The Slaughterhouse Club, an arts project for homeless and vulnerable people in London.
Talking about the Arts Council invests in Duckie’s work, Joyce Wilson, Area Director, London, Arts Council England, said: “Our ambition is to achieve great art and culture for everyone; through our investment in Duckie we are able to reach more people who might not have the same opportunity to access arts and culture.
“Through a range of creative activities, Duckie is working to overcome the sense of isolation that older, homeless or vulnerable people might experience in their lives.
“It is inspiring to see the enjoyment and sense of belonging that people get through taking part in The Posh Club, DHSS and The Slaughterhouse Club, highlighting the invaluable role arts and culture has in breaking down barriers in society.”
The Posh Club
The Posh Club was initially created as an event for Duckie Producer Simon Casson’s 84-year-old mother and her friends.
Since its early days in the local church hall, the Posh Club has grown to become a regular, glamourous event for people aged over 60. It takes place across four locations in London, West Sussex and Dorset, regularly providing an afternoon of high tea and cabaret for more than 100 guests.
Irene Sinclair, aged 106, said: “It’s quite wonderful. I can’t believe how they’ve transformed the place. At my age it’s lovely to have a smartly laid table and proper china.
“I’m totally delighted with it. So many of these people usually stay at home. This is such a treat, an opportunity to get out, have fun and make friends.”
As well as providing an opportunity for entertainment and socialising, The Posh Club aims to enhance wellbeing and reduce the risk of isolation.
The reaction from The Posh Club audience members has been overwhelmingly positive with feedback including: “They make my heart happy and young again,” “We feel VISIBLE and well catered for,” and “Very good, please keep it up for lonely people.”
A survey of 111 guests at The Posh Club showed that 94% of the Club’s guests believed it helped them be more active and 98% thought it helped them make more friends. Of 47 people reporting disabilities, 41 said The Posh Club made them less isolated.
