The Movers and Shakers Deliver a Powerful Night of Laughter, Courage, and Advocacy at The Kenton

The Movers and Shakers Deliver a Powerful Night of Laughter, Courage, and Advocacy at The Kenton

The Kenton Theatre last Wednesday (23 April) played host to a sold-out, unforgettable evening as the Movers and Shakers took to the stage for a live recording of their podcast that blended raw honesty, sharp wit, and an unflinching look at life with Parkinson’s disease.

Proudly supported by the Kenton Theatre Community Fund, “An Audience with the Movers and Shakers”, featured five of the six acclaimed voices behind the hit podcast that has reached over one million downloads and counting. Sharing their deeply personal—and often humorous—experiences of living with Parkinson’s were: former High Court Judge Sir Nicholas Mostyn, businesswoman and former journalist Gillian Lacey-Solymar, former BBC journalists Rory Cellan-Jones and Mark Mardell, and “Vicar of Dibley” co-writer and Parkinson’s campaigner Paul Mayhew-Archer. Celebrated broadcaster Jeremy Paxman was unable to attend for personal reasons.

Adding more depth to the evening were special appearances by local resident Lisa Drage, legendary record producer Mike Hurst and world-renowned neurologist Professor Michele Hu, who helped contextualise the challenges and medical complexities of the disease.

Now in its fourth season, the Movers and Shakers podcast has become a lifeline for thousands living with Parkinson’s – challenging stigma, inspiring hope, and sparking national conversation through its unique blend of storytelling, debate, and humour. The live recording brought all of that and more to the stage at The Kenton, leaving the audience both moved and inspired by the podcasters’ candid reflections and wit.

A Night That Gave Back

More than just a performance, the event was a rallying cry for change and support. All profits were donated to Parkinson’s UK, Cure Parkinson’s, Spotlight YOPD, and the King’s Parkinson’s Charitable Fund. The event also championed the Movers and Shakers Charter, which calls for urgent reforms in the care and treatment of Parkinson’s patients.

To learn more about the podcast, support the cause, or sign the Movers and Shakers Charter, visit: www.moversandshakerspodcast.com/charter

Made Possible by the Kenton Theatre Community Fund

The Kenton Theatre Community Fund is an initiative supporting local individuals, community groups, cultural organisations, schools, and charities with financial and technical assistance to stage one-off performances at The Kenton. Funded by a 25p ticket levy, the fund empowers underrepresented voices in the Henley area to bring their creative visions to life.

The first recipients were The Chiltern Centre who showcased the talents of young people that use the centre. For this event, the fund supported local residents Hattie Sanderson and Georgie Parvin in producing “An Audience With The Movers and Shakers”.

Local groups with a passion for performance are encouraged to apply, with priority given to Henley-based initiatives. Visit thekenton.org.uk for information on how to apply.

Lottie Pheasant, The Kenton Theatre Manager said: “Hosting the Movers and Shakers was an absolute privilege. We’re incredibly proud that our stage could be a space for powerful conversations and raising awareness around such an important topic. I was humbled and inspired by the personal stories shared by the Movers and Shakers and the guests during the evening.”

Hattie Sanderson and Georgie Parvin added: “We were delighted to welcome the Movers and Shakers to Henley and shine a light on those in the local community who have this debilitating disease. Parkinson’s is so much more than a shake and a shuffle, with over 40 different symptoms. The night was a great success and we hope it raised much needed awareness for people with Parkinson’s, the local Henley Branch of Parkinson’s UK, and the Movers and Shakers’ own Charter – campaigning for better care. We aimed to inform as well as entertain our audience and Paul brought the comedy in bucketfuls. We are very grateful to our sponsors – Screaming Frog, Harris Collective and Sofas & Stuff – as well as The Kenton Theatre Community Fund for helping make this event happen.”