Elvis Impersonator Gets the Diabetes Message Across

Free theatre production to raise awareness of Diabetes

22/02/2006

West Gloucestershire PCT and the Pyramid Theatre Company are delighted to invite local people to a free theatre production to raise awareness of diabetes.

The entertaining, ‘light hearted’ play, called 'All Shook Up' is aimed at people living with Type 2* Diabetes or people who may be at risk of developing diabetes (for more information visit the Diabetes UK website – see below).

The play takes place on Friday 3 rd March ( 2pm) at Highnam Village Hall, and features the story of Frank, an overweight lorry driver by day and an Elvis-impersonator by night. Frank’s story deals with his initial fears about his health, a diagnosis of diabetes and his coming to terms with a lifestyle change.

The aims of the play are to:-

• raise awareness of diabetes
• help people learn about their lifestyles and the onset of type 2 diabetes
• provide an opportunity to discuss fears and anxieties
• provide information on local and national services.

Director of Public health at West Gloucestershire PCT, Dr Hugh Annett said:

“We are delighted to join forces with the Pyramid Theatre Company to produce this play for West Gloucestershire residents. It can be enjoyed by everyone and is humorous but also has its serious side, helping to raise awareness of diabetes.”

The play ends with an interactive session giving the audience a chance to ask the characters and the local diabetes healthcare team questions about diabetes and local services.

Pyramid Theatre Company, based in Camarthenshire, is probably the best known Theatre-in-Health-Education Company in the UK. Pyramid has toured extensively throughout the UK and Ireland, and has also enjoyed great success with productions on breast cancer, drugs awareness, and mental health.

The ‘All Shook Up’ play has been funded (sponsored) by a national pharmaceutical company.