“This is a journey of connection, forgiveness, comedy and compassion.” Guy Somerset, New Zealand LISTENER

A tender and unique exploration of the impact of Alzheimer’s on family relations. Julie McNamara recorded her Mother’s songs and stories, filmed and photographed her in all her glory, over many years. The result is a compelling piece of theatre, an extraordinary love letter straight from the heart welded with a wicked underlying humour.

Let Me Stay opened in October 2013 at Interacting Festival Corban Arts Centre, Auckland. Between 2014 and 2015 the show toured UK, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Brazil. The final performance was on 20 June 2015 at Downpatrick, NI.

“A fantastic show with great visuals by Caglar Kimyoncu. Deeply moving and mesmerising.” Philip Patston, Diversityworks, NZ

Let Me Stay is a celebration of life and love as seen through the eyes of Shirley McNamara, Queen of the Mersey. Alzheimer’s does not have to be a tragic end, an apologetic withdrawal from life. Think of it as a shedding of all care, with two fingers at the world and a constant sense of glee. It’s a lifestyle choice for some…

Directed by Paulette Randall
Performed by Julie McNamara
Designed by Libby Watson
Lighting Designer Crin Claxton
Visuals by Caglar Kimyoncu