I was pleased to have the chance to preview the new immersive and interactive installation ‘The Night Before NHS Christmas’ at the Thackray Museum of Medicine.
This installation promises a mix of art, storytelling and live theatre to honour the NHS workers who dedicate their lives to helping others – even over Christmas. Everyone involved has lived up to the promise.
Andy Singleton, an artist who mainly works in paper, has beautifully crafted five story books that visitors can find situated throughout the museum. Each book is stunning, with intricate details that Andy had clearly taken great care and time to create. The books aren’t just decorative – they tell real life stories from NHS nurses and doctors in Leeds about their experiences working during Christmas.
When reading, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of admiration and gratitude for our NHS and how much they do for us as a nation. The fact that these books are scattered throughout the museum almost felt symbolic, showing how NHS workers are present everywhere and will work continuously no matter the time of year.
But the books aren’t the only part of Christmas magic that Thackray is showcasing over the festive period, as visitors can expect to bump into a group of actors from the Wrongsemble Theatre Company and see them burst into live performance right before their eyes. These are woven throughout the museum and pop up randomly, adding an exciting and dynamic element to the experience. Visitors will find themselves looking at a display one moment, and the next, watching a lively scene where actors play doctors and nurses juggling Christmas chaos with a humorous touch.
The actors played their parts excellently, blending emotion, humour and even bursts of song into their performances. When watching the group rehearse, my favourite thing to pinpoint was the singing and creativity of the acapella-style songs that the group was performing. The Wrongsemble group will be there on weekends whilst the installation is up, so you can expect to hear their voices echoing throughout the museum as their well-choreographed performances play out.
Whilst looking around at the books and watching the performances, it was made clear to me how this will be something great for all ages. A trip to Thackray will hopefully end up being something families will remember as they encounter this new, unique form of exhibition. Children will be drawn in by these grand Christmas-theme books, whilst parents can appreciate and reflect on the powerful messages they convey, all whilst being able to watch live performances play out across the museum.
Having a behind-the-scenes glimpse before the installations were officially open for visitors at Thackray, I could tell how much heart and effort went into creating this experience – from performances to talented artistry that produced the books, it all worked together seamlessly.
Once the exhibition is in full swing, I have no doubt that visitors will be just as intrigued and entertained as I was. If you’re in Leeds this festive season, make sure to visit the Thackray Museum of Medicine to have a look at these wonderful installations and enjoy some live performances alongside them.
Whether you’re going with family, friends, or even on your own, this is an installation that will leave you not only entertained, but also moved and full of appreciation for the incredible people who keep the NHS running all year round.
Thackray Museum of Medicine
Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN
[email protected]
0113 244 4343
Photography by Steffi eisert.
