SMALL screen actress Sharon Small is currently starring in the West Yorkshire Playhouse’s new stage production of bestselling novel Still Alice.

Sharon, star of TV’s the Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Trust Me, plays the title role in Christine Mary Dunford’s adaptation of Lisa Genova’s book, running until Saturday March 3.

Moving and tender, Still Alice sees driven professional Alice Howland compelled to confront her new reality after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The play is the flagship production of the Playhouse’s current festival of theatre, dementia and hope entitled Every Third Minute.

Sharon said she had read the novel with her book group and loved it.

She said: “I was delighted to be asked to play the role because of its subject matter and the challenge of bringing such a moving story to the stage, especially how the diagnosis affects Alice’s work and family. It’s a frank and furious look on the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The main challenge I think, is to chart the effects of the disease on Alice as accurately as possible. She is so brilliantly bright and as she starts to lose cognition, she fights in different ways to keep her brain active.

“Also creating the relationship with the character of Herself (played by Ruth Gemmell) onstage who reflects the thoughts that Alice can’t say aloud.

“It’s such a brilliant addition to the production and the audience will have a different insight to what Alice is experiencing. It also demonstrates so clearly Alice’s new relationship with herself and her consciousness.

“The stage design has a huge part to play in how it reflects Alice’s world as it changes and disappears around her as the disease progresses.”

Call 0113 213 7700 or visit wyp.org.uk to book tickets.