Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure; When I Grow Up

“We love to see a presenter whose passion spills over into the documentary, and Vicky McClure was the perfect choice. Her own grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease had affected her deeply, but she also had a sense of humour, which is essential.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“McClure is genuinely involved in rehearsals, as well as fulfilling her role as presenter and interviewer, gently soliciting people’s stories and offering sympathy and empathy without sentimentality or strain. The programme takes the same approach.”
Lucy Mangan, The Guardian

“The likeable actress has no embarrassment around it, seems to genuinely care about those who have it and understands the lot of the carer. Her documentary was uplifting, moving, depressing and frightening.”
Carol Midgley, The Times

“Despite all of the positivity, the fact that there’s no cure for dementia was never allowed to slip from view, nor its emotional impact on family and carers. Emotions swirled, tears flooded and hearts melted. Given the number of people in the UK whose lives are currently touched by dementia, I have no doubt the message came across loud and clear: music can help, try it.”
Gerard O’Donovan, The Telegraph

“On paper When I Grow Up looked like more cutesy saccharine tat. In practice it turned out to be a surprisingly instructive commentary on the lack of social mobility in this country.”
Carol Midgley, The Times

“It was sweet, touching and entertaining in equal measure, though I’m not convinced When I Grow Up said a great deal about social mobility that most of us don’t know already.”
Gerard O’Donovan, The Telegraph

“At times, as with all reality shows, scenes felt forced and the youngsters had obviously been given lines to say. But there were also priceless moments that hadn’t been scripted.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail