National Theatre Wales

National Theatre Wales’ next production, Before I Leave, will be a moving and uplifting production written by Patrick Jones and directed by Matthew Dunster (who directed the multi-award-winning Mametz for NTW in June 2014). It will feature covers of well-known songs by artists ranging from Tom Jones to the Sex Pistols, plus a new song by Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers.

Before I Leave is inspired by Patrick’s work with the Cwm Taf choir in Merthyr, which is supported by the Alzheimer's Society. Its members have shared much of their time and experiences with Patrick, helping him to write a play that is both a celebration of the restorative, co-operative joys of choir singing and a call to arms for a renewed sense of collective responsibility.

Touching on the current, urgent calls for better mental health care as well as battles as far back as the miners’ strike, this angry but ultimately heartwarming production wears its politics on its sleeves, but marches to the beat of some of our best-loved songs.

In Merthyr, people who are losing themselves find each other in a choir for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's. Joe is too young, this shouldn't be happening to him; Dyanne battles to hold on to the man she married. Evan and Rocky fight a 30-year-old fight - the miners’ strike may be long gone, but the scars remain as the memories jumble and fade.

Ex-librarian and mezzo-soprano Marge has lost her voice. Perhaps only the choir can help her get it back. And Isabelle won’t let her spirit be locked away and forgotten in a care home that she thinks doesn't care at all.

Contains strong language.