CUPPA T
A series of conversations about creativity and ageing
Produced by 509 Arts in collaboration with BCB
Commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Weds 8th & Friday 10th October 2025
Loading Bay
1 Duke St, BD1 3QR
Free!
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CUPPA T
Cuppa T is an informal gathering that will take place on the set of Life Class – 509 Arts’ music-theatre exploration of the ageing body and the person within. Company members will be joined by guest panelists to discuss some of the themes that have emerged during the development of the production.
There are many ways of looking at ageing and only a fraction are explored in a relatively short 75 minute show. Cuppa T is designed to broaden out the debate and it will have a number of expressions. Sometimes we will film a two person conversation and share it on the internet, sometimes it will be a live event before an audience and sometimes it will be an audio podcast.
Our aim is to ensure that Cuppa T continues for some time as we explore the many voices, views and perspectives of older people and wider thinking about ageing.
Panelists to be announced soon!
3pm Wednesday 8 October
The Ageing Body: An Aesthetic Object (Not a Medical Problem!)
The creative and performance team behind Life Class share their inspiration, research and discoveries exploring what it’s like living in an ageing body and how this new music theatre production, Life Class, is challenging prevailing perceptions of old people and the older body.
3pm Friday 10 October
The New Demographic: Burden or Blessing?
Attitudes towards older people are often predicated on the belief that they are the ‘lucky ones’ – the demographic that benefited the most from the post war reconstruction. Is this easy stereotype a block to cultural inclusion? There is a significant reservoir of creativity, talent and experience in older people – how can it be harnessed to build connections and reveal positive roles of older people in an increasingly divided society?” Alan Dix
Image: Paul Slater and Yvonne Perry
Life Class is a live performance with music, theatre, digital animation, a professional cast and a community chorus of 35 local older people, coming to the Loading Bay 3-12 October.
“The aging process rushes up, pushes you over, and runs off laughing. No one should grow old who isn’t ready to appear ridiculous.” John Mortimer
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Some of the images and video footage belong to a third party and are credited as such. If you wish to use any such content, please contact 509 Arts or the copyright owner directly.
