Performing arts at Guy's and St Thomas'
The Charity's Performing Arts Programme brings a therapeutic mix of music, dance and drama to patients, staff and visitors on wards and in public places.
The programme for July/August 2009 features a variety of world music performances by exciting young musicians from Live Music Now.
Performances are held every Wednesday at Guy's Hospital, Atrium 2, from 12.30-1.30pm, and every Monday at St Thomas' in Central Hall from 1-2pm.
July/August:
St Thomas' Hospital: Programme
Guy's Hospital: July programme
August programme
Peter Grahame Woolf, Editor of Musical Pointers attended one of the performances: “By chance, after an out-patient appointment, I happened upon a performance in the modern cathedral which is Atrium 1 at Guy's Hospital.
The musicians played with zest, good rapport and clear enjoyment for an absorbing hour of music, none of which I'd ever heard before in fifty years of music reviewing. These events provide valuable opportunities for senior music students on the way to tackling the competitive professional scene.”
Read the full review »
A programme of performances dedicated to the inpatients, their visitors and staff at the Evelina Children's Hospital is also under way. Audiences can now enjoy theatre, puppets, pop and orchestral recitals in the beautiful glass atrium.
Support the programme
You can support the work of the performing arts programme by making a donation using our secure online form, or by making a gift at an event. Mace Group (the construction firm responsible for building the Shard next door to Guy's) held a recital with performances by Danish choir 'The Sound of Gospel'. Proceeds from the event went directly to the performing arts programme. Contact the Performing Arts Department to find out how you can organise a similar charity event.
We are keen to hear from patients and staff about the kind of acts they want to visit. Please contact Yvonne Farquharson, Performing Arts Co-ordinator on Tel: 020 7188 1215 or email: Yvonne.Farquharson@gsttcharity.org.uk to let us know what you think of the events.
Jackson and Marasa enjoying a performance by Breathing Space (click on the image to make it larger)
You can see photos from past events in the performing arts photo gallery.
A series of bedside and ward events is also provided by the Charity. An annual grant of £20,000 enables Music in Hospitals to bring the joy and therapeutic benefits of high quality live music to patients of all ages. For more details please visit their website www.music-in-hospitals.org.uk.
Stacey-Jane Douglas performs for patients in the Richard Dimbleby Day Centre, St Thomas' Hospital as Part of the Music in Hospitals programme
"I think this is a fantastic idea and obviously brings a lot of enjoyment to staff, patients and passers by alike."
Sally Watkinson, senior registrar
Glassbody
Watoto Children's Choir performing at St Thomas'
The Sound of Gospel performing at Southwark Cathedral. Mace Group organised the recital to fundraise for the performing arts programme.
"The concerts have introduced me to players and music that I otherwise might not have known about. I really enjoy them, they're often uplifting and always diverting and I always look forward to coming when I can."
St Thomas' patient Philippa Bryan
Roger McGough visited the Evelina to read to patients on wards and in the atrium. 15 of his poems are mounted on the walls around the hospital