In February of this year Brendan Grace set out on a challenge. He decided to return to the Olympia stage for one night only – with a Variety show with a difference. He planned to devise and stage a show with the Forget-Me-Nots choir, (an inclusive community choir for both those suffering with dementia and their families and friends), and a number of his showbiz friends and this series would go behind the scenes to document the emotional journey to opening night.
However everything changed when the unthinkable happened and Brendan got sick and suddenly the series changed focus and went from a documentary about a man fighting to put on a show, to the story of a man fighting for his life.
Brendan Grace Thanks for the Memories is a highly emotional three part series that documents the development of the Olympia show before tragedy struck and the story took a dramatic and sad turn. A tribute to the man himself this documentary promises to be the biggest party in town and a fitting and emotional goodbye to one of the greatest Irish entertainers of all time. Brendan Grace Thanks for the Memories starts Monday, 30th September at 21.30.
Brendan did not win his cancer battle and passed away on 11th July. But, the story did not end there. He continued shooting the documentary right up until his final breath, determined that the show would go on. And it did!
His family took up where Brendan left off and with the help of Brendan’s friends and fellow performers the show went on. The series will feature Dickie Rock, Red Hurley, Foster and Allen, Mike Denver, Paddy Cole, David Soul, Sandy Kelly, Lisa Lambe and countless others.
With poignant interviews, hilarious interactions and brilliant use of archive, Brendan Grace Thanks for the Memories is a warm, life affirming series that will leave the audience laughing and crying in equal measure.
Background to the series:
The Forget-Me-Nots are an inclusive community choir for both those suffering with dementia and their families and friends. Once a week the 60 member group meet to practice while chatting and meeting with old friends. While many members may not remember the week’s practice, they never forget the words of the songs. Music gets embedded in a muscle memory and seems to be the last thing to fade. For the last couple of years, Brendan Grace has been involved with the group, raising both awareness and funds. He recorded his hit single, The Dutchman, a song about an Alzheimer’s sufferer, with the choir and donated all proceeds to the society. He has performed at their functions and has invited them on stage with him. But, he wanted to do more, so he decided to create a new stage show featuring himself and the Forget-Me-Nots with friends and special guests.
30 years ago Brendan fronted the hugely successful RTÉ series, Sunday Night at the Olympia. It was a variety show with a mix of music, comedy and dance. Brendan decided to return to the Olympia stage and put on a similar show with the choir for one night only.