Teenager's Personal Mission Drives Fundraising Success
A talented 19-year-old from Cardiff has turned his personal experience with dementia into a powerful fundraising initiative. Alex Palmer wrote, produced, and starred in a sold-out charity show that raised thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society. The performance, titled Then. Now. Forever., took place at Wyburn and Wayne’s Cardiff Theatre Café on Wellfield Road, drawing a full house of music lovers eager to enjoy timeless classics.
Second Consecutive Year of Sold-Out Shows
This marks the second year Alex has single-handedly written the script, selected the setlist, organised the raffle, sold every ticket, and performed co-headlining vocals alongside singer Lewys Rees and special guest performers. Together, his two sell-out performances have raised nearly £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. The show featured songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Dame Shirley Bassey, spanning generations of popular music.
Deeply Personal Cause
For Alex, the cause is deeply personal. The show was inspired by his grandmother, who is currently living with dementia. Tragically, the condition has affected multiple generations of his family, including his nan's sister, brother, and mother. Alex aimed to create an affordable, uplifting evening—tickets were priced at just £10—where families, caregivers, and people living with dementia could step away from daily routines, enjoy classic songs, and find comfort among supportive peers.
Community Impact and Awareness
His brother, Tom Palmer, explained: "Alex wanted to make a night where carers and families could stop for a couple of hours, hear the old songs, and feel normal in a room full of people who understand." The intimate setting of the Cardiff Theatre Café brought performers and audience members close together, allowing everyone to sing along to the golden era of music. Beyond the nostalgia, the show served as a platform to raise vital awareness for dementia care and celebrate how music can unlock shared memories.
Future Ambitions
The title Then. Now. Forever. captures the spirit of honouring timeless songs from the past while highlighting the lasting comfort music provides to families affected by Alzheimer's today. With two sold-out shows completed, Alex is determined to take his project to a larger audience. He hopes a local Cardiff theatre will back the production so he can perform on a main stage and welcome everyone who missed out on tickets. The full performance was professionally filmed, preserving the energy, music, and community spirit of the special night.
