Bedside theatre performance and its effects on hospitalised children's well-being

Abstract

This article reports on practice-based pilot research being undertaken at Birmingham Children's Hospital in England on the impact of bedside theatre performance on hospitalised children's well-being. It discusses the process of creating theatre for sick children, connecting with the hospital and working within the hospital tight routines, dealing with ethics, working with theatre artists and performing to children bedside. It also reports on evidence collected by questionnaire and interviews about the perceived benefits of bedside theatre by children and their parent/carers. This emphasis on the process is appropriate for theatre practitioners, arts therapists and clinical staff who work with hospitalised children.

Indicators for local policies of cultural welfare: content, dimensions, and quality criteria

“…Other indicator-based measurements have addressed the impacts of individual artistic disciplines and cultural practices on wellbeing (see, for instance, Clift and Hancox 2010 ; Clift et al 2008 ; Clair 1996 on music; Hui and Stickley 2010 ; Durdey 2006 ; Copeland and Cohen 1983 on dance; Clow and Fredhoi 2006 on art galleries; The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge 2021 ; The Heritage Alliance 2020 ; Desmarais et al 2018 ; Veall et al 2017 ; Noble and Chatterjee 2013 ; Fears 2011 on cultural heritage and museums; Meeks et al 2020 ; Michalak 2014 ; Sextou and Monk 2013 on theatre; Hjort 2019 ; Cohen et al 2016 ; Matthew et al 2012 ; Dermer and Hutchings 2010 ; Powell and Newgent 2010 on cinema).…”