FINDING Joy, a full-mask production from Vamos Theatre in collaboration with The Courtyard, returns to Hereford on Saturday, having just picked up an Argus Angel award recognising artistic excellence during the Brighton Festival.

"I've been bowled over by people's responses," says Vamos founder and director Rachael Savage. "They feel so personally touched and engaged by it. It's fantastic.

"I wanted to go into history and politics, so I am delighted to be making a difference through theatre," she adds. "I liked the show last time, but now I am proud of it - I look at it and think, this is what mask theatre is about."

Joy’s mental faculties are failing and her daughter is at her wits’ end trying to care for her and keep her safe. But Joy’s grandson, a boy who’s up to no good for the most part, is nothing but good for his gran, able to connect with her simply by making caring for her fun.

Once again, Vamos amaze with a work that, while utterly wordless, is dazzlingly eloquent. A picture may paint a thousand words, but this full mask production tells an entire life story with passion, wit and humour.

The story of Joy and Danny’s relationship is counterpointed by a beautifully realised re-creation of Joy’s younger life, from her childhood as an evacuee being waved off by her mother to her courtship and marriage and the birth of her own baby.

On the company website comments book, one audience member summed up the power of Finding Joy: "I went to see Finding Joy for the second time and it was just as superb - wonderful physical theatre at its best. It still made me laugh out loud, and it still made me cry, at those most poignant moments. By far the best theatre I’ve seen in years. If you haven’t seen it yet, go, otherwise you’ll be missing out on a rare treat".

Finding Joy is at The Courtyard on Saturday at 7.30pm. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk