The Purple List .... a gay dementia venture
Who We Are
Ian Baxter
I’ve been an actor and role player since graduating from Bretton Hall College in 1983, when I formed “Split Theatre” which took my coming out story, “Self Abuse ?!?” to “Festival in The Pink" in London.
I quickly realised the impact and importance of issue based theatre and worked predominantly with children and marginalized adults in schools, play schemes, youth groups, prisons, day centres and hostels.
As a gay man I came out over 40 years ago. I witnessed, marvelled at, and envied the impact of the radical feminist separatist movement. I danced in discos, cruised in cruising grounds, and waved political placards against hypocrisy and homophobia. I fought tooth and nail against “Clause 28”. I’ve chanted and shouted, demonstrated and displayed all my adult life, to support LGBT+ communities to get what we need and deserve.
My partner of 35 years (and husband of 3), seems to think I spend a lot of my spare time “faffing”, when I KNOW I’m making sure we haven’t forgotten the poles for a camping trip, fairy lights to make the dull gorgeous, or passports for an overseas adventure. My three stepchildren and our grandchildren all bear witness to the fact that we’re BOTH right!! Who knew??
Now 39 years after “Self Abuse?!?”, I’m incredibly proud to be performing “The Purple List”….a gay dementia venture, which is being used to raise awareness and train social care and health staff across England.
I quickly realised the impact and importance of issue based theatre and worked predominantly with children and marginalized adults in schools, play schemes, youth groups, prisons, day centres and hostels.
As a gay man I came out over 40 years ago. I witnessed, marvelled at, and envied the impact of the radical feminist separatist movement. I danced in discos, cruised in cruising grounds, and waved political placards against hypocrisy and homophobia. I fought tooth and nail against “Clause 28”. I’ve chanted and shouted, demonstrated and displayed all my adult life, to support LGBT+ communities to get what we need and deserve.
My partner of 35 years (and husband of 3), seems to think I spend a lot of my spare time “faffing”, when I KNOW I’m making sure we haven’t forgotten the poles for a camping trip, fairy lights to make the dull gorgeous, or passports for an overseas adventure. My three stepchildren and our grandchildren all bear witness to the fact that we’re BOTH right!! Who knew??
Now 39 years after “Self Abuse?!?”, I’m incredibly proud to be performing “The Purple List”….a gay dementia venture, which is being used to raise awareness and train social care and health staff across England.
Libby Pearson
Using my 16 years experience as a youth and community worker, I became a freelance performance writer and creative projects coordinator six years ago. With seven professionally produced and performed plays under my belt, I am constantly looking for new creative projects and writing opportunities. I am particularly interested in issue-based writing and using theatre as a tool for education and discussion - The Purple List ticks all these boxes.
I love collaborating with other creatives, both in the field of theatre and that of the visual arts and often run workshops in schools with other artists. I have recently made fun forays into audio work and love writing and recording comedy sketches. I have also recently dived into the world of oral history collection, recording people's past experiences and translating them into audio plays.
When not writing, I am a medical role player and mentor to young people. I can often be found wandering the moors and forests of North Yorkshire with my trusty guide to birds and a pair of binoculars. If spotted, give me a wave.
Graeme Brown
I have been involved in the making of Theatre all my career. I have worked in a variety of education establishments from high schools, developing arts policies to sixth form and FE colleges where I directed productions of anything from Greek Tragedies to contemporary story telling projects. For several years I was the Education Officer for the Unicorn Children’s Theatre, working across all departments to bring live performances to children. I was also fortunate to have been a member of an advisory drama team, working with other educators, creatives and professional actors to bring Theatre projects to teachers and students of all ages. A job that has, sadly, all but disappeared. I am currently one of the senior team of examiners in Drama and Theatre, contributing to the development of A Level.
I’ve been delighted to have directed ‘The Purple List’; I’ve known Ian for more years than I care to recall (and indeed have even acted with him in another life). Working with him on Libby’s powerful, emotional and timely script has been a great pleasure.
I’ve been delighted to have directed ‘The Purple List’; I’ve known Ian for more years than I care to recall (and indeed have even acted with him in another life). Working with him on Libby’s powerful, emotional and timely script has been a great pleasure.
Noel Ward
Noel has worked for over 40 years in nursing and adult social care. During this time he has had a number of roles ranging from care of older people to specialist work with people with HIV. He latterly worked in adult social care employee development specialising in addiction safeguarding. He is a qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor and a practitioner trainer in advanced suicide intervention (ASSIST)
He currently is developing and delivering Gender awareness training for local authority staff. He has been a lifelong advocate and activist for LGBT rights.
He currently is developing and delivering Gender awareness training for local authority staff. He has been a lifelong advocate and activist for LGBT rights.
Fin Henderson
A piano based singer songwriter, Fin's style is unique. With a rich chord structure and beautiful melodies it is powerful and it is melancholy. His bold approach to film making saw him become worthy winner of the very first Salute Music Maker Champion competition in November 2017. Fin is now looking to finish off his upcoming EP, so keep an eye out!
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