This week, Signature reached out to James Rogan, BAFTA-nominated film director, producer, and screenwriter, with a track record of crafting multi-award-winning series and feature documentaries that have been shown around the world. James’ most recent project with Rogan Productions, ‘Old Hands, New Tricks’, follows Rose Ayling-Ellis as she aims to teach BSL to residents of a retirement home. In this blog, James shares with us more about the original concept of the show and what it was really like to teach the residents of Hughenden Gardens.
- What inspired the concept behind “Old Hands, New Tricks?”
The inspiration for Old Hands, New Tricks stemmed from a deep-seated sense of injustice that both Rose Ayling-Ellis and Rogan Productions felt about the lack of accessibility to British Sign Language (BSL) for older people. Rose had personally experienced the isolation that can come with hearing loss, and her passion for advocating for BSL led to the idea of teaching it to the residents of Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village. The concept was simple, yet powerful: many over 70s are losing their hearing, so why not give them the chance to learn a language that doesn’t depend on hearing? The idea hadn’t been explored before, and it aimed to challenge the norm where hearing loss is typically addressed with hearing aids, rather than providing a communication solution like BSL.
- What were some of the main messages you hoped the audience of the show would take away with them?
The key messages of the show revolved around inclusion, connection, and the power of language to bridge gaps. The series highlighted the value of teaching BSL in retirement settings to combat the loneliness and isolation many deaf individuals experience, particularly in care homes. By showing the transformation of the residents at Hughenden Gardens, the show underscored the importance of communication and how learning something new, regardless of age, can bring people together. It also questioned why BSL is not more widely available in environments like care homes and retirement villages, challenging traditional perceptions of ageing and accessibility.
- How does Rose’s background and perspective shape her role as the host of the show?
Rose’s personal experience as a deaf individual profoundly shaped her role as the host. Having grown up with the isolation of being one of the few people in her life who could communicate in sign language, she brings a unique, empathetic perspective to the show. Her background drives her to advocate for better access to BSL both for children and older people. Her determination to make a difference in the lives of the residents at Hughenden Gardens was informed by her own battles with communication barriers and her commitment to ensuring that others do not have to experience the same challenges. Her leadership and passion for deaf rights shine through, motivating the residents to push through their own struggles.
- Were there any behind-the-scenes moments that stood out to you during filming?
One of the standout behind-the-scenes moments was when the residents began to truly embrace learning BSL, despite the initial challenges. The production team witnessed extraordinary moments of personal growth, like when one resident, Sue, who was losing her eyesight, learned to sign through touch (known as hands-on sign language). Another powerful moment occurred when Heather, who had suffered from ill health, persevered through the course, and gave her final speech in sign language. Her daughter later shared that Heather used BSL in the hospital before she passed away, highlighting the life-changing impact of the show. These moments, full of emotional depth and determination, were a reminder of the profound effect BSL can have one people’s lives.
- How did you view the impact of BSL on the residents of Hughenden, and is this something you would like to push in other retirement homes?
The impact of BSL on the residents of Hughenden Gardens was nothing short of transformative. Beyond simply learning a new skill, it brought a sense of connection and confidence to people who had previously felt isolated. The residents not only learned how to communicate using the fundamentals of BSL, but they also formed deeper bonds with each other and their families. This experiment demonstrated that BSL could bridge gaps in communication and improve the quality of life for older individuals, especially those experiencing hearing loss. Given the positive response and lasting changes seen at Hughenden Gardens, it’s clear that integrating BSL into more retirement homes could have significant benefits, making communication more inclusive and reducing the isolation that many older individuals face.
- Did you face any challenges when producing this show, particularly in terms of accessibility or inclusivity?
Yes, there were several challenges in terms of accessibility and inclusivity. One of the main hurdles was teaching a brand-new language, BSL, to a diverse group of older residents with varying abilities, ages, and health conditions. Some were dealing with physical limitations, such as losing their eyesight or struggling with stiff fingers, while others had not been in a classroom environment for decades. Balancing these challenges while ensuring that the learning process was engaging and accessible was tough, but it was also what made the experience so powerful. Additionally, the mixed production team- half deaf and half hearing- meant that accessibility was a constant consideration throughout the filming process. The inclusion of Marios Costi, a native BSL user, was crucial in bridging these gaps and ensuring the residents were receiving the best possible education in BSL.
- Following the positive feedback of the show, what is next for you, and would you be keen on integrating BSL into more shows?
Following the success of Old Hands, New Tricks, and its positive reception, there is a growing interest in continuing to highlight BSL in mainstream programming. Rose’s mission to advocate for more BSL integration in everyday life is something that both Rogan Productions and Rose are deeply passionate about. Looking ahead, there are plans to expand BSL representation, not just in retirement settings but across other areas where accessibility is lacking. The success of this show has opened up the possibility of incorporating BSL into more productions, especially in ways that can have a direct, positive impact on communities. There’s a clear appetite for stories like these, and moving forward, integrating BSL into other shows seems like a natural step in raising awareness and breaking down communication barriers.
- How do you think Old Hands, New Tricks challenges traditional perceptions of ageing?
Old Hands, New Tricks challenges traditional perceptions of ageing by highlighting the active, engaged, and transformative potential of older people. The show pushes against the stereotype that older adults are set in their ways or incapable of learning new things. Through their enthusiasm for BSL, the residents at Hughenden Gardens defied expectations, proving that age does not have to be a barrier to learning, growth, or connection. The show also emphasises that older people, particularly those experiencing hearing loss, deserve access to communication tools that can significantly improve their quality of life. It shifts the focus from a deficit model of ageing to one where older individuals are seen as vibrant, adaptable and full of potential. By featuring the residents’ willingness to embrace a new language, the show reshapes the narrative of what it means to age, showing that it’s never too late to learn, grow and be part of a community.
Here at Signature, we would like to thank James Rogan for taking time to respond to our questions. It has been great to learn more about this project and the positive impact it had on residents of Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village. The impact it had on residents highlights the transformative power of BSL on people young and old. The project illuminates the need for BSL in retirement homes, to help with loneliness and communication barriers which occur in old age. We look forward to seeing what this project might lead to.
