Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 263 No 7063 p428
September 18, 1999 The Conference

Conference news and notes

The Circus of Fabulous Pharmaceuticals

Not quite a circus in the true sense of the word, but it was certainly one of the most unusual and colourful exhibition stands at this year's Pharmex 99.
After successfully bidding for a £50,000 National Lottery grant under the Arts for Everyone scheme, Wyrd Arts has been running a health education project entitled "The Circus of Fabulous Pharmaceuticals" since March this year. As its director Kevin Alderson explained to The Journal, the project focused on issues surrounding prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as storage and safety.
Wyrd Arts, a theatre company set up in 1995, has been taking the innovative approach of "health education meets performing arts" into four primary schools, two adult groups and two elderly groups.
With the adult groups, Kevin and his colleague Colin Avery found that they were gathering a lot of anecdotes and stories, whereas in the schools the reality of the project saw a lot of drama workshops accompanying some stories.
"The main message to get across to the nine- and 10-year olds was that while all medicines are drugs, not all drugs are medicines," Mr Alderson said.

The highlight of the six-month project was "The Circus of Fabulous Pharmaceuticals" show, which took place at the Rosehill theatre in Whitehaven and exhibited 365 art works, one for each day of the year. The nice thing about the show, in Kevin Alderson's opinion, was to see all the groups involved working closely together. "The children designed most of the costumes and the adults actually made them," he says. During the project, Wyrd Arts had been working closely with the health development unit of North Lakeland health care trust, and Copeland borough council, and had been supported by the health action zone key partner, but since the funding has now run out they are now looking for new sponsors. "Personally I would like the project to be taken up nationally," says Mr Alderson. "It has a real strength in that it tackles an increasingly important issue and has proven to be very successful."

Delivering the medicines message: Kevin Alderson (left) and Colin Avery of Wyrd Arts