STORYTELLER, poet and Radio 4 regular John Osborne returns to Pocklington Arts Centre (PAC) on Thursday, February 13,7.30pm with his brand new beautiful, funny and uplifting show about music and dementia.

Inspired by seeing a friend’s dad face a dementia diagnosis and the warmth, positivity and unexpected twists and turns the family went through, he has put together You’re in a Bad Way, which he says is “definitely his favourite”.

Osborne said: “You’re in a Bad Way is the fifth theatre show I’ve made and it’s definitely my favourite.

“I loved performing it every day at the Edinburgh fringe, and I’m really excited to be taking it on tour.

“For the past few years I’ve made storytelling theatre shows that are funny, true stories of things that I feel are important to people.

“This is a story about what happened to my friend’s dad when he was diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago.

“It was a really interesting thing to observe, because although it was horrific and terrifying and sad, there was so much warmth and positivity and unexpected twists and turns.

“As soon as I started writing the show it came together so beautifully and audience members who have had their own personal experiences of caring for people with dementia have been incredibly positive about the show having been to see it.”

“I never planned to write about something as personal as dementia, and have never written about a big topic before but this felt like such a beautiful story that I wanted to tell.

“Just because you’ve been diagnosed with something, it doesn’t mean it’s the end. The things we know about dementia are so sad, but within that there are some special moments.”

He added: “As it’s such a big topic I’ve tried to make the show funny and life affirming and relatable.

“I don’t want it to be sad or serious; I think it’s important for it to be a good a story to someone who has no association with dementia, as well as being sensitive to those who live surrounded by the illness.”

PAC director, Janet Farmer, said: “I was fortunate to see this show at Edinburgh Fringe last August and thought it was just so beautifully written and truly uplifting, I knew we had to bring it to PAC. It tackles a tough topic with such humour and warmth, it really is a must see.”

Book tickets now at www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01759 301547.