How COVID-19 & UK government policy shaped the new world of applied theatre in British care homes

Abstract

This article provides an insight into the relationship between applied theatre, COVID-19, and UK Government policy in British care homes. This reflection draws upon the experiences of an applied theatre practitioner, who worked in a care home during the height of COVID-19 in 2020. The author shares the impact of COVID-19 government policy, her applied theatre practice, and the implications of this for the practitioner, residents, and staff. The text offers a grounded perspective on the relationship between policy and practice, indicating how uncharted policy terrain can shape a new world of applied theatre in care home contexts.