AWARD-winning Yorkshire playwright, Alan Stockdill of Talking Stock Productions, is bringing one of his most poignant, powerful dramas to Ilkley - a thought-provoking piece inspired by the true-life story of a daughter caring for her father who has Alzheimer’s.
The Last Memory, an emotionally punch-packing two hander one-act play about dementia and family relationships, is being performed at the Ilkley Playhouse Wildman Studio at 7.30pm on Friday, June 29.
The hour-long piece will be followed by an interval, then an optional Q & A session with the writer/director and actors.
The performance is being supported financially by Marks & Spencer and proceeds from ticket sales will go to Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action Group
“How can I go to heaven if I don’t know who I am?” says Ernest to his daughter Lynne when his niggling and worsening memory problems are finally diagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease. But he also has a plan: to leave a vital imprint of who he is. Lynne is to be the keeper of his memory, the guardian of their past. Join them on their journey; share their fears, smiles, strength and tears - and arrive with them as they seize the last memory and a carpe diem hope.
The play was inspired by Edwin Harrison, the real life ‘Ernest’.
It includes true stories from Edwin’s family, real letters, memories and experiences. The actress playing the character of Ernest’s daughter Lynne, Talking Stock producer Catherine Pasek, is actually Edwin’s daughter. She lived in a similar situation with both her late parents in different nursing homes suffering with late stage dementia. Catherine lost both parents to the disease in June 2016
“This piece of writing is totally from the heart,” says Catherine. “Dad had this awful disease for 17 years - but despite the diagnosis and situation we aim to show how it’s still possible to extract joy out of the pain and laughter from the tears.”
“We’re delighted that Talking Stock are helping to raise both awareness of dementia and funds for our local group with this insightful piece of drama,” says Mary Hamilton from Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action Group.
Tickets are £5 and the box office number is 01943 609539.
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