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London's midlife women band defies ageism to inspire and empower

Sunday, 26 October 2025 6:11AM UTC

The Ukadelix, an all-female band formed by women aged between 57 and 71 in Deptford, challenges stereotypes about aging and music, demonstrating the power of creativity and community in later life amidst societal barriers and personal challenges.

In the snug corner of Deptford’s Dog & Bell pub, The Ukadelix gather, half pints in hand, embodying a vibrant and inspiring testament to creativity and resilience in later life. Formed in 2015, this all-female band of women aged between 57 and 71 has defied societal expectations by embracing music as a passion and community-building exercise well into their 50s and beyond. Angie (66), Gill (65), Heather (69), Kirsty (57), and Michele (71) picked up instruments and formed a band initially seen as a fleeting experiment, only for it to blossom organically into a genuine musical force with a loyal following across London’s pubs and community venues.

Their sound is genre-defying and their songs deeply personal, often inspired by their London surroundings and life experiences. Hits such as "Loughborough Junction" and "Charing Cross" paint vivid pictures of place and emotion, while tracks like "Wasted" candidly explore the challenges and strength found in mid-life. Kirsty, the youngest member, reflects on the importance of this shared creative outlet, underscoring the band’s role in fostering a sense of community: “We get young and older women coming up to us and they love what we’re doing. They always say ‘I want to do something like that’.” This sense of intergenerational connection and empowerment echoes the themes portrayed in the BBC drama 'Riot Women,' which features a punk band of menopausal women navigating similar challenges of identity, aging, and female camaraderie.

Despite the band members' diverse past careers in acting, illustration, journalism, and education, none pursued music full-time, making their achievements all the more remarkable. Their instrumental skills span bass guitar, drums, accordion, harmonica, and ukulele—with original songwriting at their core. Yet their journey has not been without obstacles; they have endured age-related health issues like arthritis, carpal tunnel, and vision degeneration, common challenges that could have curtailed their musical endeavours. Instead, The Ukadelix channel these difficulties into their art, illustrating how embracing creativity and community can offer profound therapeutic benefits during times of stress and transition. Heather advises anyone with spare time or facing stress to pick up an instrument, even something as simple as a ukulele, calling it "a great coping mechanism."

The band’s presence also confronts ongoing sexism and ageism in live music scenes, with occasional disparaging remarks branding them “ancient Spice Girls” or dismissing them as “old mums.” They choose to meet these hecklers with humour and resilience, aware that any good band faces criticism, and they remain committed to championing other female artists. This advocacy aligns closely with the struggles portrayed in 'Riot Women,' a series deeply influenced by creator Sally Wainwright’s personal experiences, including her care for her mother with dementia and her battles with menopause. The show has been praised for its authentic depiction of midlife women grappling with invisibility, rage, and resilience, skillfully integrating original music that complements its narrative of empowerment and emotional release.

Moreover, 'Riot Women' offers a nuanced portrayal of dementia, a parallel theme that resonates with many mature women today, including those in bands like The Ukadelix. Drawing from Wainwright’s firsthand caregiving encounters, the drama avoids clichés and presents dementia’s impact on individuals and families with compassion and realism. This dual focus on music and life’s challenges elevates the conversation around aging women in the arts and society, highlighting the importance of visibility, support, and creative expression as tools for coping and connection.

Looking ahead, The Ukadelix show no signs of slowing down. Despite natural age-related hurdles, they maintain a busy gig schedule leading into Christmas, inspiring others to pursue their passions regardless of age. Their story is a vivid reminder that music and art are lifelong pursuits capable of fostering joy, community, and resilience. They epitomise the spirit of The Ukadelix and ‘Riot Women’ alike—a celebration of female friendship, empowerment, and the unyielding embrace of life’s second acts.

📌 Reference Map:

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/we-started-band-50s-know-32668032 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/we-started-band-50s-know-32668032 - An article about The Ukadelix, an all-female band from London formed in their 50s, drawing parallels with the BBC drama 'Riot Women'.
https://www.womanandhome.com/life/inspirational-women/riot-women-band-gigging-through-menopause/ - An article highlighting The Ukadelix, an all-female band from London composed of five women aged 55 to 71 who defy age stereotypes by rocking through midlife and menopause. Formed in 2015, their roots go back to a friendship and shared passion for music. Members include Gill Abela (harmonica/ukulele), Heather Gilmore (accordion/ukulele/melodica), Michele Petit-Jean (ukulele), Angie Bain (bass guitar), and Kirsty McNeil (drums). Each brings their own story, talents, and challenges, such as managing arthritis, carpal tunnel, vision loss, and menopausal symptoms, yet they find healing and joy through music. Their growing fan base and vibrant performances echo the themes of the BBC drama 'Riot Women': female friendship, empowerment, and resilience. Members share reflections on reclaiming creativity in midlife, navigating health challenges, and the deep emotional connection and therapeutic power of performing together. Despite logistical hurdles and personal struggles, their message to other older women is clear—just start playing, follow the passion, and community and fulfillment will follow.
https://www.womanandhome.com/life/news-entertainment/riot-women-dementia-portrayal/ - An article highlighting the nuanced and emotionally resonant depiction of dementia in Sally Wainwright’s TV series 'Riot Women'. While the series has gained attention for addressing themes like menopause, female rage, and midlife invisibility, its portrayal of dementia through the characters Nancy (Anne Reid) and Mary (Sue Johnston) is being praised for its accuracy and emotional depth. Inspired by Wainwright’s personal experience as a carer for her mother with dementia, the show avoids stereotypical or stigmatizing portrayals and instead presents the condition with authenticity and compassion. The dynamics between characters, particularly between Holly (Tamsin Greig) and her mother Nancy, reflect the heart-wrenching daily struggles of dementia carers. Through scenes both darkly humorous and heartbreakingly sad, 'Riot Women' examines the toll dementia takes on individuals and families, including the grief of witnessing a loved one’s decline, and the confusion surrounding mundane possessions and relationships. Paul Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer at Dementia UK, commends the show’s thoughtful representation and its effectiveness in raising awareness, especially for the UK’s estimated 1.4 million 'sandwich carers' who manage care for both aging parents and children. The article encourages viewers or readers impacted by dementia to seek support from organizations like Dementia UK.
https://www.womanandhome.com/life/news-entertainment/riot-women-songs-meaning-bbc/ - An article discussing the original songs in the BBC drama 'Riot Women', created by Sally Wainwright. The Brighton-based punk duo ARXX composed original songs for the show — 'Seeing Red', 'S**ting Pineapples', and 'Just Like Your Mother'. The latter was inspired by a remark her husband often used during their marriage before he left her, which Wainwright and ARXX transformed into a feminist anthem celebrating maternal lineage. ARXX also incorporated insights from the show’s police and menopause advisors into the lyrics. In addition, Rosalie Craig performs vocally in the series, bringing her West End talents to the screen. Although the other cast members weren’t musicians initially, they learned to play their instruments for authenticity, with Wainwright even learning drums herself to support the actors. Alongside the original tracks, the show’s soundtrack features nostalgic classics from artists like Garbage and ELO, amplifying the emotional resonance of the storytelling.
https://www.womanandhome.com/life/news-entertainment/riot-women-inspiration-sally-wainwright/ - An article about the inspiration behind the BBC One's 'Riot Women', created by Sally Wainwright. The six-part series centers around five menopausal women who form a punk band as a form of emotional release. The show offers a powerful and relatable portrayal of midlife women juggling the demands of family—children and aging parents—while coping with the struggles of menopause. Inspired by Wainwright’s personal experiences, the series tackles themes of rage, invisibility, and resilience, highlighting societal neglect toward menopausal women. Wainwright’s real-life challenges, including the end of her marriage and caring for her mother with dementia, deeply influenced the characters and storylines. Despite the heavy themes, the series aims to be uplifting and engaging, using original music—written with help from real-life band ARXX—to add energy and authenticity. Wainwright even learned to play the drums and tried HRT to better understand her characters. Ultimately, 'Riot Women' is both a cathartic and empowering portrayal of an often-overlooked demographic, presented with heart, humor, and punk spirit.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 11, 2025, in a Woman & Home article. ([womanandhome.com](https://www.womanandhome.com/life/inspirational-women/riot-women-band-gigging-through-menopause/?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: The direct quotes from band members appear to be original, with no identical matches found in earlier material. Variations in wording were noted, but no significant discrepancies were found. No online matches were found for the quotes, raising the score but flagging them as potentially original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from MyLondon, a reputable news outlet. However, the report is based on a press release, which may affect the perceived reliability. The band members and their activities are verifiable online, with no evidence of fabrication.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about The Ukadelix's formation, activities, and challenges are plausible and consistent with available information. The narrative is covered elsewhere, including the Woman & Home article. ([womanandhome.com](https://www.womanandhome.com/life/inspirational-women/riot-women-band-gigging-through-menopause/?utm_source=openai)) The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, with no excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is appropriate for the subject matter.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is original and fresh, with no evidence of recycled content. The quotes are likely original, and the source is reputable. The claims are plausible and supported by specific details. No significant issues were identified, leading to a 'PASS' verdict with high confidence.

Music
Women in arts
Ageism
Community resilience
Female empowerment